CAREY Park claimed their second win of the season on Saturday, in a physical and fiery Anzac Day clash against the Busselton Magpies.
Played after a touching ceremony to honour those who fought for our freedom, the game saw the Panthers outlast the Magpies finishing 12.11.83 to 9.13.67.
The game began with Carey Park off to a hot start, kicking the first two goals through Busselton mistakes.
The first went to Matt Martin after an errant elbow from Busselton’s Brent Hall gifted Carey Park a downfield free kick.
From then Carey Park was simply capitalising on Busselton’s turnovers.
The Magpies were moving the ball swiftly through Chris Kane and Nathan Bradbury, but poor decision making in key areas saw them cough it up a number of times.
A few missed opportunities in front of goal from Luke Hutchins also had Busselton chasing, however he redeemed himself with a late major.
Trailing by two goals heading into the second, the Magpies came out with a higher intent.
Daniel McGinlay was getting involved while his side utilised the breeze to gain the scoreboard advantage.
Busselton kicked five goals to one in the second on the back of some outstanding play from their wing and flank positions.
Carey Park seemed a step too slow around the ground as they trailed 41 to 31 at the main break.
The Panthers managed to regain the lead going with the wind as they kicked four majors to Busselton’s one in the third.
Aaron Hill got busy in the quarter booting two majors while Kieran King and Brandon Jetta dominated around the ground, giving the Panthers a seven point lead at the final change.
Busselton simply needed to make one last push in the last term with the winds at their backs, but the Magpies could not muster it.
Carey Park got away to a dream start kicking a goal through Viv Blurton, while a higher intensity saw King and Jake Watts both kick truly.
The lead was unassailable by the time Busselton hit the scoreboard as Carey Park finished 16 point winners.
Unfortunately the game will be remembered for an incident after the siren, which saw Busselton’s Kane in an unexpected physical altercation with Carey Park head coach John Baggetta.
