We’re now down to the final fortnight of the 2014 South West Football League season with the preliminary final to be played this weekend between the Bunbury Bulldogs and the Eaton Boomers.
These sides have clashed three times already this season with Bunbury claiming two wins and Eaton bagging the one.
The highest margin in these matches was Eaton’s 15 point win in round 18 and all three games have been classic matches.
The sides last met in the qualifying final two weeks ago with Bunbury claiming an eight point win due to missed opportunities from Eaton.
Questions linger over the fitness of Eaton forward Jake Ferrier and Bunbury big man Aidan Parker and losing either of them would be a blow to their respective sides.
Where it all begins, the midfield shapes as the best battle heading into this game.
On Bunbury’s side of the stoppage, Ryan Sheehan, Sam Miles, Cam Lamonica and Myles Smythe are all ready to give the 2014 Hayward medallist Jesse Gribble support.
This forms a good mix of experience, younger legs and skill, but the worry coming up against Eaton is pace.
Michael Battaglia, Josh Bowe, Chris Atthowe and Jye Cormack make for one fast group of runners.
That midfield receiving help from players like Gino Catalano, Blake Piggot and Brent Piercy on the outside gives Eaton the majority of numbers at nearly every contest.
Winner: Eaton.
Both backlines will need to be set quickly in case of a turnover.
A lapse in concentration from any player could cost their side a goal.
Both of these backlines are known better for their ability to run off rather than defend.
Blake Piggot, Gino Catalano and Kane Bloxsidge may not be known defenders, but the time they spend in the backline is invaluable just for their run and carry into the forward line.
The same goes for Bunbury’s Grady Byrne, Brad Blake and Ben Beauglehole.
The only reason I’ll give Bunbury the edge in the backline is Codey Hay.
His defending has been second to none all season.
Winner: Bunbury.
The forward lines, among many other things in this match, seem extremely similar.
Tall timber is in abundance, and small goal kicking forwards are also on hand for each side.
Bunbury’s Marc Re is a known goal scorer while teammate Clint Garlett is also dangerous in the forward line.
A question mark hangs over the fitness of Aidan Parker for the game and although it seems as though he will play his influence on the game could be restricted.
For Eaton, Jake Ferrier is battling to get up from a hamstring injury for the big game.
If the power forward is to miss it could prove detrimental to his side’s chances.
Counterpart Leigh Kelly would need to step his game up a lot if Ferrier is to miss.
The difference in this matchup could be made by Eaton’s Matt Buchanan.
He’s in strong form and can play both tall and small.
It’s a tough one, but my bets on Eaton.
Winner: Eaton
So with everything on the line in this clash, it’s all set to be a classic preliminary final.
Come Sunday, one side will be left with the sour taste of defeat, while the other begins preparations for the grand final.
I’ve finished my dissection of the game and I’m going with the Boomers, but there won’t be much in it.
Prediction: Eaton Boomers by 7 points.
