The two oldest clubs in the SWFL will fight it out for the ultimate glory, when they go head to head for the 201st time in their history, with the prize being the 2024, Dale Alcock Homes South West, SWFL Premiership.
The last Bunbury Derby Grand Final was in 2002, when South Bunbury defeated Bunbury by 74 points. Previous to that you have to go back to 1993 when the Tigers were victorious again by 28 points, while in 1988 the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs by 47 points. Bunbury’s last victory in a Grand Final over South Bunbury was in 1962 when they defeated their rivals by 19 points, with South Bunbury winning in 1959 by 16 points, and the first ever Grand Final between the two clubs in the SWFL was in 1958 when Bunbury won 44 points. Head to head, the Tigers lead in Grand Finals 4-2, but with 22 years since the last decider, it equates to nothing but bragging rights heading into today.
This season the Tigers have gone through the entire season undefeated, but that will mean absolutely nothing, should they lose the Grand Final, with Bunbury leading the WA Day Derby in June until 11 seconds to go. The second encounter at Hands Oval promised plenty and expectation was high, but the Tigers dominated from the outset. The two sides met two weeks ago in the second semi final, and this time the Bulldogs did get the jump, but again the Tigers clawed their way back on their way to a 42 point win.
Kade Wallrodt, Blaine Johnson, Lachlan Riley, Kevin Chitty and Tom Gorter have all played well during the finals series to date, and will all have a big say on the result. Jethro Barraclough has been particularly impressive during the finals, and along with Denholm King and Cooper Nitschke the side has plenty of talent. Dylan Heasman found some form in the preliminary final and was a good contributor in the thrilling win over the Dons, and if Joel Houghton fires at full forward, the contest could go right to the wire.
Fine weather and a big crowd expected, Derby Grand Final number seven promises to be one to remember.
The match commences at 2.45pm.
