SWFL league: Augusta-Margaret River win first southern derby since 2021 with 50-point victory over Busselton

Augusta-Margaret River emerged as the winners of the southern derby for the first time since 2021 with a 50-point victory over Busselton at Gloucester Park on Saturday. In the first return of two-time Hawks premiership-winning coach Matt Jamieson to his former homeground in Magpies colours, the competition’s form team extended their winning streak out to five games with another strong showing, running out 13.13 (91) to 6.5 (41) winners. A fine forecast was defined by inclement weather and the hosts shone brightest in the gloomy conditions, overcoming a slow start by kicking 12 of the last 14 goals of the day to win back the Busselton Toyota Cup. Kel Evans was recognised by the umpires as the best player afield for the Hawks, with his efforts to win first possession at the contest hugely significant in the sopping conditions. Alongside the prolific midfielder, ruckman Kieran Yakas continued a strong season while Steven Payne and Max Spyvee had significant scoreboard impact, both kicking three goals. The visitors looked the better side in the initial exchanges, opening their account after an amazing Jobi Hayward set shot from deep in the pocket and kicking four of the first five goals of the day. A Beau Morgan long goal late in the term gave the Hawks an important response before Matthew Banister followed up by finishing brilliantly on the run, closing the quarter-time gap to seven points. As rain began to teem down, Payne’s first of the day further tightened the contest before some behinds saw the Hawks hit the front. A finish from Beau Chinnery reclaimed the advantage for the Magpies, who went into the main break leading by six points. Another heavy shower greeted the start of the second half and it was the hosts who relished the difficult conditions, coming up with another three goals in the third term, including a brilliantly executed finish from Jake Watson in the dying embers of the quarter. Meanwhile, the Magpies battled to get the ball out of their own half despite the best efforts of captain Ethan Bowman and were held scoreless for the entirety of the quarter. Conditions fined up to start the final term but Busselton suffered a big early blow, with Jon Meadmore assisted from the ground after taking a heavy knock. After Spyvee killed off any hopes of a comeback by finishing off an end-to-end transition, the hosts entered party mode, closing with another four goals. The result sees the Hawks — who started their 2024 campaign with losses to Donnybrook and South Bunbury — shoot ahead of Donnybrook into fourth on the South West Football League ladder, while the reigning premiers are still yet to win consecutive games this year and sit just outside the finals places in seventh.