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SWFL 2022: South Bunbury premiership players find new homes before June 30 cut-off

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Several South Bunbury women's premiership places have transferred from Tigerland over the past week.
Camera IconSeveral South Bunbury women's premiership places have transferred from Tigerland over the past week. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

A multitude of South Bunbury women’s premiership players have transferred to rival South West Football League teams amid off-field issues plaguing the club.

It comes after a racial vilification incident, which saw South Bunbury fined and prompted longstanding Tigers women’s coach and Aboriginal man Maxwell Jetta to resign from his position in protest.

Several women from the Tigers side elected to wear Indigenous face paint and T-shirts supporting their former coach’s decision during their next game earlier this month, while also taking a knee in the centre square before the clash.

At least nine women have since left in a mass exodus from the club, including co-vice captain and multiple-time premiership player Kate Fielding, who has been vocal about her exit on social media and on local sports program Scord South West.

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Fielding, who was awarded best on ground in last year’s SWFL grand final and has been an integral part of the Tigers’ recent premiership dynasty, was handed a four-game ban because of off-field conduct, which is believed to have sparked several other transfers.

She has crossed over to Carey Park, along with fellow key position player Tonya Matthews.

Busselton’s bid for a maiden premiership under Rennie Meadmore has been given a boost — with Maddy Obal, Karyn Beeson and Gemma Wharton all set to don black and white.

With East Fremantle duo Beth Beckett and Mia Dronow potential inclusions following their WAFLW commitments with the Sharks, Busselton are looming as a genuine premiership threat.

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault have also gained Kristy Jetta, Tia Holt and Sophie Turner.

Under WACFL protocols, players have until June 30 to transfer to a rival club or competition.

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