LSWFL: Southerners upset reigning premiers Boyup Brook, Bridgetown smash Tigers, Deanmill defeat Kojonup

The return of Deanmill product Harley Sparks to his junior club inspired the Hawks to a 55-point win over ladder-leaders Kojonup in their Lower South West Football League clash in Deanmill on Sunday. Featuring alongside twin brother Cooper, Sparks was named as his side’s best player afield in their 18.11 (119) to 10.4 (64) win over the Cougars. Harley, the current vice-captain and reigning best and fairest of West Coast’s WAFL side, played on a permit due to the State league having a bye. Ethan Dimitriou (five goals), Blake Rawson and Jordan Strahan (both four) did the damage in attack for the winners, with Cougars spearhead Lee Lucev (four) playing something of a lone hand for his side. The Cougars remain at the top of the ladder in the wake of the loss, but Deanmill are now one of four sides who sit only one win back. Saturday’s other game saw Bridgetown’s dynamic attacking duo of Matthew Tilbee and Brett Wilson lead their side’s 109-point smashing of Tigers at Rea Park. Tilbee slotted seven goals and Bulldogs’ captain Wilson managed six of his own as the visitors handed the hosts their biggest defeat of the season in a 19.18 (132) to 3.5 (23) result. Already ahead by 41 points at the main break, the Bulldogs stacked on another 12 goals in the second half while holding Tigers to just two. On Sunday, Southerners vaulted ahead of Boyup Brook into fourth place on percentage on the back of a 21-point win over the reigning premiers at Boyup Brook Oval. A six-goal haul from star Ben Cabassi — a premiership player with the Roos in 2022 — helped the hosts to a 14.14 (98) to 11.11 (77) win, their third from five games this season. Despite his side’s defeat, the competition’s leading goal-kicker Ashley Wallam slotted another six majors for the Roos, receiving good support from captain David Cowan (three goals). Round seven will see Kojonup come up against Imperials at Kojonup Sporting Complex and Boyup Brook take on Deanmill at Boyup Brook Oval on Saturday before Bridgetown face off with Southeners at Bridgetown Sports Oval on Sunday. Tigers have a bye.