Prior to his side’s clash against Carey Park on Saturday at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, Busselton coach Daniel Delaney was keen for his players to keep doing the little things.
Determined to remain undefeated for as long as possible, Delaney believed his side’s best football would be enough to outlast the up and coming Panthers.
Sure enough, the Magpies got the nod, prevailing 7.16 (58) to 6.13 (49).
Despite trailing at all changes, the visitors finished with a flurry, with the Magpies’ superior experience proving critical in the dying minutes.
At Hands Oval, South Bunbury took care of a depleted Harvey Bulls 13.18 (96) to 9.9 (63).
Bulls coach Mark Pink had no shortage of concerns prior to the clash, with a host of players unavailable for selection — predominantly through injury.
This resulted in several colts players being promoted to the league side. While aware of the challenge, Pink was hopeful his men would still remain competitive.
A nine-goal first half from the Tigers laid the foundations for their 33-point victory, with South Bunbury superboot Leigh Kohlmann finishing with six goals.
As always, Bulls full-forward Brad Holmes battled hard, booting four goals, while Aaron Jovanovic also never stopped trying.
On Sunday at Dunsborough Playing Fields, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault held off a fast-finishing Dunsborough Sharks 8.9 (57) to 6.11 (47), with Jarrod Humphries again the star of the show for the Lions with five goals.
Long-suffering Collie Eagles supporters also had something to cheer about when their side broke their 2023 duck against Eaton at Glen Huon Reserve.
With Jayce Fontana firing, the Eagles boldly ran out 10.12 (72) to 6.9 (45) victors.