The 1st Semi Final of the Tyrepower Manjimup League season is two days away, with Bridgetown to take on Southerners as both teams return to finals. Courtesy of the rotation system landing kindly, Bridgetown will also host the day and have whatever advantage playing such a crucial game at home brings with it. So, what have previous matches between the two teams in 2025 given us by way of information to give us a glimpse at what may happen on Sunday?
Head to Head
The two teams have met on three occasions in 2025, and while Bridgetown hold a 3-0 record, all three games have highlighted that these teams are closely matched. The largest margin between the sides has been 14 points, that margin in Bridgetown’s favour in their most recent clash in Round 14.
Round 1 – Southerners 9.16.70 def. by Bridgetown 12.11.83
Round 7 – Bridgetown 16.6.102 def. Southerners 14.12.96
Round 14 – Southerners 8.6.54 def. by Bridgetown 9.14.68
In each of the three games, Bridgetown has had the better of the scoring in the final quarter, once coming from behind at the last change and once running out 13 point winners after scores were tied at three quarter time.
The Round 7 clash at Bridgetown was played under gloomy skies, but was one of the games of the season as the lead changed multiple times throughout the contest.
Key Players
Bridgetown
Brett Wilson – with 49 goals across his 14 games in 2025, Wilson has averaged 3.5 goals per game for the season to date. In games against Southerners, that average is slightly higher at 4, impressive against a fellow finals side. Wilson is a big game player and his ability to lead from the front will have a major bearing on this game.
Josh Power – this one is no news flash! Power continues to be a midfield leader for the Bulldogs and with two evenly matched sides, first use of the ball will be crucial.
Matt Tilbee – kicked 7 goals in two games against Souths in Round 1 and 7 as he announced his entry to the LSWFL. May have to spend more time in the ruck on Sunday than the Bulldogs would like, with the Alex Stuart out of action since mid season, having been one of the form rucks in the competition to that point.
Kalani Brooks – has been a solid performer in the three matches between the sides this year. His hard running from the midfield will be crucial as always for the Bulldogs and he averages almost a goal a game in 2025.
Will Masters – forming part of the multi faceted forward line that makes Bridgetown difficult to contain, Masters has gone at just over two goals a game in 2025. Of his five goalless games for the year, two of those were in Pemberton, so Masters will no doubt look forward to playing Souths at home where he kicked 4 in the Round 7 clash.
Lachlan Allan – has been a superb performer in games between the two sides and is likely to get a key defensive role on Sunday. If he gets the job on Callen Sprigg, it should be an entertaining duel.
Southerners
Tayten Smith – been a wonderful pick up for Southerners in 2025 and a couple of his best performances have come against Bridgetown. Deployed largely from the wing, Smith has worked well with the dynamic Southerners midfield and his two way running will be tough for his opponents.
Tyson Jacob – had an absorbing battle with Deanmill’s Archie Hall last week, the latest big effort from the young ruckman. Souths have options to keep Jacob fresh and in the absence of Stuart, with whom he had an epic tussle in Round 7, will look to give his side an advantage in the air.
Ben Cabassi – has had a fantastic season and his flexibility has provided many a headache for opposition coaches. Cabassi can create a mismatch in the forward line, hit the scoreboard and then appear in the next midfield contest. He’s kicked goals against everyone in 2025, though like Masters, two of his quieter days have come in games between these two teams.
Tom Collins – has only played the 5 senior games in 2025, but IF the President lines up on Sunday, he is bound to have a key task. Last week he spent time looking after Jordan Strahan, while in Round 12 he was tasked with a key role in a short handed defence against Kojonup’s formidable forward line.
Seaton Thompson – with Cabassi and multiple others coming and going from the Souths midfield, their skipper is the one face you are likely to see at more midfield stoppages than any other. Thompson has been in great form in 2025 and his battle with Power and co. will be well worth watching.
Callen Sprigg – while some of the Souths forward line are difficult match ups, Sprigg is exactly what’s advertised on the box as a key forward. Kicked 5 goals against Deanmill on the weekend in a strong performance and his leading and pack marking has got better and better as the season has worn on. Is also likely to spend some time in the ruck, giving Jacob a chop out.
The Big Questions
Without Stuart, who will do the majority of the ruck work for the Bulldogs? Tilbee does quality work in the ruck, and we saw Wilson put on his Superman cape in the Country Championships Grand Final. Going into a final however, the Bulldogs would likely prefer to have both of them free to play closer to goal and create the match up headaches that come with trying to limit the influence of those two, alongside the likes of Masters, and Brodie Grant.
Who will win the midfield battle? Both sides have multiple avenues to goal and will back their respective forward lines to put scores on the board.
Who can convert their chances best? In Round 1, Southerners had 25 scoring shots to 23, but lost the game courtesy of a 9.16 scoreline. In Round 7, Souths led the scoring shots 26 to 22, but lost by a goal. In Round 14, Bridgetown had 23 scoring shots to 14 , but battled their way to a 14 point win. If the midfield battle is even, this game and the right to move on to the Preliminary Final could come to who makes the most of their chances.
Who will be the X-Factor? We know both sides have star studded midfields. We know both sides have some of the competition’s leading goal kickers. Will this be one of those games where the margin comes down to a so called lesser light bobbing up with a crucial contribution? We saw it in Round 7 when Thomas Vowles played his best game of the year and kicked the winning goal for Bridgetown.
What impact will the weather have? There’s been no shortage of wet weather in the second half of the season, so both sides are well versed in dealing with the conditions. The current forecast for Sunday in Bridgetown calls for between 5-10mm of rain, so the team that has learnt the best lessons around handling wet weather football will be well placed. How Southerners would love to have Nick Sarsero available, who hasn’t played since Round 11 and is one of the best wet weather players in the competition.
The Round 7 clash was one of the games of the season, and while this writer isn’t brave enough to tip a winner, I will tip another close game with a margin of under 10 points deciding who moves on, and who has their season 2025 come to an end.
For all the latest scores, goal kickers and best players – the Lower South West Football League has it’s home on PlayHQ HERE.
