SWFL 2022: Harvey Bulls record first win of season with stirring win over Collie dedicated to Lockie Hernaman

The Harvey Bulls have claimed a 17-point victory in their annual Lockie Hernaman Tribute Match against the Collie Eagles. Both sides went in to the clash searching for their first win of the 2022 SWFL season, but Harvey started best. Four first half goals from new recruit Tyson Powell, who went on to claim the Lockie Hernaman Medal for best on ground, gave the Bulls a 38-point lead at the main break. After half time, the Bulls struggled to click into gear as Collie hit their straps, capitalising on the Bulls’ lack of scoring to get back into the game. Collie outscored the Bulls for the first time of the match in the third quarter, but an early goal of the year contender from 2021 SWFL leading goal kicker Brad Holmes, who dribbled the ball from the pocket under pressure on his right boot, gave the crowd something to cheer about in an otherwise disappointing term. The Bulls led 75 to 44 at the last change, but Collie came out firing again to start the last quarter with two unanswered goals. Harvey struck back and scored the next two majors to sink the visitors hopes and win 13.9 (87) to 11.4 (70). Before the match, the teams gathered in the centre square and Lockie’s grandfather David Hernaman tossed the coin alongside his mother Melissa and sister Kailee. It is the third time the Bulls have played the match in honour of Hernaman, who died suddenly at Bulls training just over three years ago.