THE South West league team had another fantastic Landmark Country Football Championship, defeating Great Northorn 9.16 (70) to 8.8 (56) to claim their fourth title.
Busselton player Daniel McGinlay had an outstanding tournament for South West, winning the Jock
Coleman trophy for fairest and best for the whole carnival last week.
The tournament brings together all the country regions football leagues, who select all-star teams to play off against each other.
South West coach Crandon Keddy described Busselton player McGinlay after the Landmark Country Football Championship as a "fierce competitor who always gives 100 per cent."
Keddy said the co-captain had good pace off the mark and was able to break away from the packs easily.
“His a very smart and clean player and was probably in our best two for each game,” he said.
The South West opened the carnival by making a statement when they demolished the Upper Great Southern Football League side 37 points.
Game two may not have been as convincing but the South West was able to claim an 11 point win over the Lower South West.
Day two’s first match saw the South West take on fellow undefeated side Avon Football Association.
Avon was exposed in the clash that resulted in a 19 point win for the South West and assured a grand final appearance.
However the South West league side experienced their first loss of the carnival when they played the Great Northern Football League side in their final round robin match.
Keddy said when they faced Great Northorn again in the grand final they were able to play on their terms.
Other Busselton players included Jon Meadmore with his debut appearance in the carnival.
Keddy said it was McGinlay which put Meadmore on his radar and found him “sensational”.
“He was really impressive, he went in their and got the job done - a real find for representative football,” he said.
Sean Trombetta was also named in the squad and Keddy said he was a great attribute as a small forward.
“It was a real step up for Sean and while it took him a game or two to feel like he belonged, he definitely belonged in that team in the end,” he said.
Keddy described Tim Iaonnou as workhorse who shone in the grand final.
The experienced Sam Shephard got a guernsey for the grand final after being an emergency for the carnival.
“Sam’s experience was a real asset to the team on grand final day,” Keddy said.
While the South West won fourth Landmark title in a row, Keddy said it was no guarantee for next year.
“Noone just deserves to have a chance at the final, you have to compete and earn your spot,” he said.
“We only had nine players from last year’s competition so its definitely looked at from one year to the next.”
Photos by Sharyn Newlands.
