2017 SWFL grand finals: Bunbury claim the colts flag over HBL

The young Bulldogs found themselves in a 2016 rematch against HBL and they were keen to reverse the result. 

Lion David Fenwick drew first blood with the opening goal while Tom Dalton turned the pressure up early, breaking three straight tackles in a franetic period of play.  

Tobi Horton dribbled Bunbury’s first goal home before Kieran Chell scored six points at the other end. 

A booming 50 metre goal from Bunbury’s Ben Frazer tied the scores at 2.2.14 a piece at quarter time. 

A free kick to HBL’s Taine Williams gave his side the first goal of the second term before Matt Frisina tied the scores again for Bunbury. 

In a real end-to-end armwrestle, Nathan Ireland put Bunbury on top with his first goal before Michael Arkeveld extended the margin to 12. 

Williams was awarded a second free kick, this time for being taken high in the goal square, and duly slotted his second major. 

At the main break, Bunbury were narrowly ahead 5.3.33 to 4.3.27. 

Williams’ third goal opened the second half before Zac Jerrard kicked his first of the game for Bunbury. 

A spectacular mark from Antonio Gianfrancesco had the Lions’ fans on their feet and his equally stunning goal moments later had them cheering loudly. 

The game continued to see-saw with Bunbury’s Ben Frazer returning fire. 

HBL’s Tom Heenan and Bunbury’s Coen Bradshaw added goals before the siren to see Bunbury ahead by four points at the final change 8.4.52 to 7.6.48. 

In the final term, it was Bunbury who stood up to be counted. 

Arkeveld scored the first two goals of the term before Ireland added his second for the game. 

Coen Thompson hit the post for Bunbury before Arkeveld added his fourth major to the board. 

Gianfransecso tried to keep his side in the contest with a goal but Jerrard sealed the result close to full time, giving the Bulldogs victory 13.7.85 to 8.10.58. 

Bunbury's Kai Luzi was presented with the best-on-ground medal by former SWFL President Kevin Lynn.