The Busselton Magpies are ready to tackle the Harvey Bulls in this Saturday’s first round of the South West Football League.
The women’s team will go into their season debut confident after a hit out at last weekend’s Brooke Fiore for Hair and Beauty Day Spa Women’s Knock-Out Pre-Season Carnival.
In a strong showing, the team toppled the Harvey-Leschenault-Brunswick Lions by 40 points.
Coach Matt Grosse said the ladies were keen start the season with a game at home.
“We’ve had really good numbers and there is a great feel in the team,” he said.
“Some of the team have never played a game before so the carnival was good for them to get an idea of their positions, the pace and the pressure.
“A lot of teams will be in a similar position to us with a lot of losses and gains but we’ve come a hell of a long way from last season so we are going to go in, play the best we can, and win or lose, we will take something out of it.”
Captain Kylie Gibbs will lead the group, supported by vice captains Ange Williamson and Tahlia McSwain.
In the men’s league, coach Steve Lester said the team was in good shape ahead of the clash.
“We’ve gotten through the pre-season training unscathed in regards to injuries,” he said.
“We’ve have the bulk of squad do the work so we are as well placed as can be.”
Recent history has seen the Bulls defeat the Pies in their last two outings, but Lester said the team was up for the challenge
“They are quite a physical side with a lot of strong bodies,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get the ball moving and have them chasing us a bit.
“They are a good side, definitely one of the top four fancies. We are still aiming to sneak into that fifth spot but there will be a few other teams fighting for that.”
Lester and Grosse encouraged the Busselton community to descend on Bovell Park for the opening game.
“You can expect a pretty good showing,” Lester said.
“There are a lot of people keen to bring success back to the club. The players are chomping at the bit to get into it.”
“The ladies learn quickly so keep coming back and watch them develop,” Grosse added.
Bounce down is 3.20pm for the women’s and 4.40pm for the men’s.
