Football: Pies eye Bull fight

A new-look Busselton side is confident of toppling the Harvey Bulls in this Sunday’s South West Football League season opener.

Preparing to start the campaign for back-to-back premierships, coach Greg Hodson said the team would have several new faces from colts and reserves.

He said the Magpies had about 10 players who travelled from Perth last season and only three this season, leaving more room for local talent.

“We’ve had a huge change of personnel,” he said.

“I don’t know how many premiership players are missing but we’re probably missing half the side. What’s most important is the boys are keen to go back-to-back … we’re pretty fit and raring to go.”

The Bulls struggled last season but have picked up former Magpies Peter and Brandon Jetta in the off-season.

Hodson admitted he did not know much about Harvey but would talk to assistant coach Peter Snook about key match-ups.

He discounted the relevance of the Magpies’ pre-season form, including last Saturday’s loss to HBL in an exhibition match featuring former AFL star Brendan Fevola.

“We lost by 31⁄2 goals and Fevola kicked six and he won’t be there next time,” he said.

The coach said the only injury concerns were midfielders Jordan Eastwell and Damian Lee, but believed they would get up for the match.

He said the side’s defence was one of their main strengths along with their speed.

“We’ve going to have a team full of ruck rovers,” Hodson said.

“We’re just lacking in height, which is one, going to leave us caught out or two, allow us to run the tall sides off their feet. Only time will tell.”

The bounce is at 2.30pm at Bovell Park.