SWFLW 2022: Brilliant Bilcich effort propels Bulldogs against improving Lions

In 2019, SWFL women’s legend Ebony Bilcich charged home to tie with Fleur Parker for the Nola Marino Medal, despite only playing a handful of games for South Bunbury during the second half of the year.

Fast-forward three years, Bilcich, now in a Bunbury guernsey, has wound back the clock to rekindle this form and could well replicate her medal-winning feat.

The experienced utility booted four goals in Bunbury’s 7.6 (48) to 1.2 (8) win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Saturday afternoon at Brunswick Oval — with a three-goal burst in the second term essentially securing victory for the Bulldogs.

Despite windy conditions for most of the first term, the visitors started promisingly, and were able to keep the ball locked in their forward line for long passages of play.

Aside from this period of play and Bilcich’s purple patch in the second quarter, the Lions were able to hold their own at times, however they lacked bite in front of goal when going forward.

The Bulldogs were well-served by Charity Ryder and Ruby Mahony — who both recently finished in the top two of the reserves and league fairest and best counts at WAFLW outfit Swan Districts — while Lions skipper Lauren Patane battled hard for the home side.