SWFL 2022: Kicking spree powers momentous Busselton Magpies victory over Carey Park Panthers

The Busselton Magpies continue to soar, taking down Carey Park at home on Saturday in a huge 49-point victory.

The Round 16 clash took place amid trying conditions but ultimately Busselton prevailed in a get-away final quarter where they collected five goals to affirm the 11.11 (77) to 4.4 (28) win.

The Magpies were hot out of the gate, with Liam Creighton sealing the opening major for the black and white outfit.

Panthers forward Rory O’Brien soon responded with a goal of his own — the team’s only score for the first term, as they struggled to gain possession of Busselton’s clean ball movement.

Play featured heavily in the midfield in the second quarter, Carey Park turning up their defensive pressure, laying several tackles and proving a challenge for the Magpies.

Their change in strategy led to a major from ruckman Zane Verhaaf.

Despite the added heat, Busselton continued to stretch their lead with majors from Creighton, Mitchell Howlett and a ripping set shot from Dylan Patterson who sent the ball sailing through the big sticks from well beyond the 50-metre line, giving them a 15-point lead at the main break.

The third quarter continued the trend, Carey Park only managing to add two behinds to their bill, while Busselton collected another two goals.

It seemed the Panthers were taking chances on long kicks in attempts to clear the ball out and enter their forward 50 rather than retaining possession with short passes which proved a strong strategy of their competition.

Busselton’s ability to mark the ball in their forward half proved the downfall of Carey Park in the final term, their clean hands and straight kicking leading to an additional 34 points for the side.

The scoring spree resulted in back-to-back goals from Jed Kemp and Howlett, while Creighton converted his third for the match.

Redemption for the Panthers came in the form of O’Brien, claiming two goals for the blue and red resulting in a final score of 11.11 (77) to 4.4 (28).