For the embattled Magpies, the loss comes at a bad time as they struggle with injury and player absence. While they started strong and went into the second quarter with a convincing lead, the game went pear-shaped for the Mapgies as Aug-Margaret River rallied in front of their home crowd and kicked eight quick goals in succession.

The reserves faired better, clocking up their fifth win for the season. With the home team coming off the back of a convincing win against Donnybrook the week before, the reserves were expecting a close game. Busselton managed to maintain a slim margin at the close of each quarter and finished the game with an eight-point victory.

Coach Wayne Henerman was pleased with the result, although he noted that the heavy grounds hampered the play.

“The guys seem to think that they can’t play the style of footy we are aiming for on heavy grounds – that’s not the case,” he said.