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SWFL 2022: Fifth-placed Harvey Bulls look to beat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault for first time since 2018

Headshot of Luke McPherson
Luke McPhersonSouth Western Times
Harvey Bulls'  Aaron Jovanovic.
Camera IconHarvey Bulls' Aaron Jovanovic. Credit: Luke McPherson

The fifth-placed Harvey Bulls have a shot at redemption and another chance to beat arch rivals Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault for the first time in almost five years on Saturday.

The Bulls have not beaten the Lions since round three 2018, and were expected to win earlier this year before a disastrous first quarter at Brunswick Oval.

The Lions were winless when they hosted the Bulls in round 7, but HBL kicked the first seven goals of the match to have the game all but over at quarter-time.

Bulls coach Mark Pink said the Lions were impressive on that day, but Harvey would be ready to take it to the ninth-placed side this week.

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“HBL was very good in that first quarter,” Pink said.

“That wasn’t when we were travelling too well, we have a bit more depth now, and are probably in a better head space.

“We are really looking forward to this week, Harvey has a few premiership reunions, we are hoping it is a good day, the weather isn’t too bad, and we can get the win for our long-suffering supporters.”

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault's Jack Fletcher.
Camera IconHarvey-Brunswick-Leschenault's Jack Fletcher. Credit: Luke McPherson/RegionalHUB

HBL lost to Bunbury by 43 points at the weekend, while Harvey had a dominant win over Donnybrook to take the Dons place in the top five.

Pink said despite being in the running for finals, the Bulls had a tricky final five rounds which meant there finals spot was not a certainty.

“It gives us a chance, I know we are in the five, but Eaton look like they have got a bit of an easier run home, so there is no celebrating yet,” Pink said.

“(Donnybrook, Eaton and us) are three sides competing for that fifth spot. . . but at least we control our own destiny.”

The first-year coach of the Bulls said his side didn’t expect to play finals this year but were building a winning brand which he hoped would bring them success down the track.

“We matched it with Bunbury, we matched it with South Bunbury, it wasn’t just a fluke the first time, we matched it with Margaret River, we just haven’t been able to get those close wins,” Pink said.

“I wonder if it is in the back of our minds, because our blokes have been losing periodically for so long.

“Winning breeds winning, you just have to keep winning and then you start believing.”

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