The Collie Eagles Football Club and Bunbury Bulldogs further established their rivalry during their round 13 clash on Sunday afternoon.
The crowd at Collie Recreation Ground – amped up by the colts, reserves and women’s matches earlier in the day – erupted as the league side ran onto the field.
Winning the toss and kicking to the clubroom end proved worthwhile for the Eagles, with Joel Houghton kicking the game’s first goal from outside the 50 metre line.
Both teams shared possession in the midfield while the majority of play was carried out on the wing.
Bunbury delivered their share of opportunities, kicking three consecutive points before Aidan Clarke got their first goal.
Two goals from Blair Malatesta gave Collie a 3.1.19 to 1.3.9 lead at quarter time.
Eagles league coach Clint Swallow called for more organisation and talk on the field. He urged his side to get onto their targets after the ruck.
Collie and Bunbury’s aggression continued into the second half, carrying out successful tackles and smothers around the ground.
Harry Creasey’s first goal for the quarter was celebrated by the strong contingent of Bulldogs fans.
Patrick Farrant volleyed through the posts before Creasey kicked his second.
Bunbury increased its chances and set up the majority of set shots in the second quarter.
Brett Peake, coming off a four goal haul against Donnybrook, kicked his first of the game to further extend the Bulldogs’ lead.
The wild weather and Bunbury’s cheer squad proved costly, with Eagle Jayce Fontana missing two consecutive chances in front of goal.
The Bulldogs’ four unanswered goals delivered a 5.4.34 to 3.3.21 lead at the main break
At half time, Swallow told his side to get back to their man-on-man football.
He also pushed players to kick directly to the forward line rather than handball.
Goals to Fontana and Brayden Kent helped Collie to launch a comeback in the third quarter.
Eagles and Bulldogs fans were vocal after Adam Bignell was pushed over by Clarke after taking a mark.
After Bignell was able to re-take his free kick. The Eagles kicked their third of the quarter to close the gap to one point.
Players from both sides were sent off after a major tussle broke out midway through the quarter.
Once play returned, Collie’s midfielders kicked accurately to their targets while preventing Bunbury from gaining possession.
Another two goals to Collie sealed an 8.4.52 to 5.4.34 lead for the home side at the final change.
Bunbury coach Jamie Nani called for the visitors to get back to the same form as that of the first two quarters.
He said they needed to get everything dirty and not back out of the contest to win the game.
Nani inspired his side to reach for second spot on the SWFL ladder.
The Bulldogs followed their coach’s advice, fending off Collie’s backline and wintry conditions from the outset.
Eagle Mark Williams kicked his first, while goals to Farrant and Ben Frazer brought the scores closer together.
Clarke kicked his second of the game before Jordan Falco's set shot put his side ahead with one minute and 40 seconds to go.
Bunbury held on for a 9.6.60 to 9.5.59 victory in front of a rousing Bulldogs’ cheer squad and bewildered Collie contingent.
The Eagles sit second on the SWFL ladder while Bunbury rests close behind in third.
Collie takes on Eaton Boomers away while Bunbury goes up against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault in round 14 next weekend.
Goals: Blair Malatesta (4), Joel Houghton (2), Mark Williams (1), Brayden Kent (1), Jayce Fontana (1).
Best on ground: Kyle Shanahan, Travis Cleggett, Corey Griggs, Blair Malatesta, Joel Houghton, Paul Rinder.
