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Road win secured

Jackson Lavell-LeeBusselton Dunsborough Times
Busselton forward Mitchell Howlett takes a mark during his five goal performance against Eaton
Camera IconBusselton forward Mitchell Howlett takes a mark during his five goal performance against Eaton Credit: Jon Gellweiler

Busselton Football Club made it three wins in a row on Saturday, defeating last year’s grand finalists Eaton Boomers by 33 points at Glen Huon Reserve.

Busselton’s second away win of the season boosts the club into third place on the South West Football League ladder ahead of a match against last-placed South Bunbury tomorrow.

Away wins are essential in a nine-round season in which teams meet only once before finals, and two victories on the road against contenders Eaton and Augusta Margaret River have put Busselton in a good position halfway through the season.

Busselton led from the first bounce as their young and talented on-ball brigade started well with Mitch Tenardi, Jackson East and Connor De Campo finding plenty of the footy.

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Despite their dominance around the ground, Busselton left the door ajar at half-time after kicking two goals and six behinds to three goals and one in the second quarter to lead by only 14 points.

Enter young Busselton forward Mitchell Howlett, who proved to be the difference between the two sides, accurately finishing his hard work to contribute five classy goals.

For the Boomers, Jarrod Humphries kicked two goals despite labouring slightly with a knee injury, while Jordan Falco and Josh Bowe worked hard for their possessions in the middle.

Ethan Maguire was best on ground against his old side the Eaton Boomers last week
Camera IconEthan Maguire was best on ground against his old side the Eaton Boomers last week Credit: Jon Gellweiler

The battle was always going to be won in the midfield, with both sides boasting plenty of engine-room depth, but it was Busselton who went harder at the contest in the slippery conditions.

It was a stellar return for former Boomer Ethan Maguire, who kicked two goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Pies, continuing his rich vein of form.

After struggling with their field kicking in round one, Busselton have rapidly developed their disposal efficiency and looked the silkier team, hurting the Boomers on turnover and running hard to provide an option for their teammates.

South Bunbury will embark on a trip to Sir Stewart Bovell Park tomorrow after licking their wounds from a 92-point belting at the hands of cross-town rivals the Bunbury Bulldogs last week.

The Tigers were leading at half time before a 15 goal to one onslaught from the Bulldogs sounded a warning to the rest of the competition.

Busselton’s midfield depth and hunger for the contest is expected to test the rebuilding Tigers who rely heavily on the big shoulders of veteran midfielder Martin Thompson.

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