SWFL 2022: Time-on goals kickstart Bunbury’s remarkable comeback win over Harvey Bulls

At the 26-minute mark of the second term during Sunday’s clash against the Harvey Bulls, the Bunbury Football Club were staring down the barrel of a goalless first half on their home turf. Throw in the fact they were trailing by 20 points and on a three-game losing streak, some could have been forgiven for thinking that heads might have began to drop in the Bulldogs camp. Not on Jamie Nani’s watch. Consecutive goals to Cameron Hay and Jacob Wintle before half-time gave the Bulldogs the spark they needed to eventually prevail 6.12 (48) to 6.7 (43) over the Bulls. Cold and wet conditions lingered throughout the game. During the early minutes, both sides attempted to gain a foothold in the contest. Despite Bunbury missing a host of playmakers — including Jesse Gribble, Tyson Wood and Patrick Farrant — they were able to dictate general play in the corridor. During his quarter-time address, Bulls coach Mark Pink encouraged his side to attack the game — and his players duly heeded his request. Prime movers Lloyd Beever, Braden Fimmano and Thomas Wood all found more of the football in the second term, which helped them scoot out to a 20-point lead on the stroke of half-time. Up until this point, the Bulldogs had missed some chances in front of goal and things had snowballed — however one goal was all it took to turn things around. With two goals in as many minutes, the Bulldogs eagerly raced into their changerooms at the interval, with an eight-point deficit well and truly within their reach. This newfound momentum carried over into the third term, with Bunbury booting three goals in 12 minutes, and the Bulls seemingly unable to do anything about it. Another bonus for the home side was the outstanding defensive effort of Kane Bumann, who did not give Bulls spearhead Brad Holmes an inch all day. The Bulls essentially locked the ball in their forward line during a tense final term, however, the Bulldogs were able to close down the game in the final seconds, which ultimately ended their chances. On the final siren, a chorus of car horns around the ground serenaded the Bunbury players, who thoroughly deserved their triumph.