investigation
South Bunbury women’s football team: How side went from dynasty to exiting the SWFL in less than two months

Just seven short weeks ago, South Bunbury’s three-time premiership women’s side was on cloud nine. The team was sitting undefeated on top of the ladder, with a percentage well over 500 and well on its way to another flag. Their captain Bethany Bond was the league’s leading goal kicker, foundation midfielder Ebony Bilcich had moved to Peel Thunder and began making waves in the WAFLW, and a number of players were seen as stars not only in the SWFL but across WA. Fast forward less than two months and the club is in so much turmoil it had to pull the women’s side from the competition in a shock series of events that has left the football community reeling. It came on the back of a racism scandal in which the club was fined $200 after an “unknown” male player called Carey Park forward Hayden Yarran a “yowie” in a round seven SWFL clash. The incident prompted South Bunbury women’s coach Max Jetta — who had led the side to each of their premierships — to quit due to the impact it had on his mental health. Days later, his team of faithfuls donned shirts with his initials “MJ” and a crown on them to show their support for their beloved coach. A number of behind-closed-doors meetings between the team and officials later, and an unprecedented mass exodus of senior players followed, with captain and stand-in coach Bond the latest of at least 10 to depart. The team became so depleted it was forced to forfeit its round 12 match at the weekend and hours later the league confirmed the club had withdrawn the women’s team from the 2022 season. And the announcement has left the football community reeling. Jetta said he was filled with sadness when he heard the women’s team would be pulling out of the competition and the players would be joining separate clubs. “I was sad because of all the memories I have with the girls, and the hard work everyone had put in personally as well,” he said. “To see all that disappear, and especially for the girls to split up, it is sad, and somewhat disappointing.” Despite his sadness, Jetta said he was hoping his actions and those of his former players would help create a positive change. “Some people might disagree, but I think it is something that needed to happen in the league for change and in a way that showed this is much bigger than football. “Seeing the girls stand up and make that choice for myself, for Hayden and for other people that will be going through this . . . I am proud of them. “This is what we all need to do in Australia, to support each other. “Whether you are big or small, black or white, we need to get around each other and support people in any way we can.” League officials are now scrambling to ensure the rest of the season plays out fairly, with a number of star players already joining or applying for rival clubs. SWFL general manager Jason Crowe said the women’s football committee would likely meet to discuss the player points system in coming days, ahead of the June 30 cut off for transfers. Bond — the first woman to kick 100 goals in the SWFL — said it was sad to see such a close playing group ripped apart. “I have six years of memories which I will hold dearly in my heart forever,” she said. “Some of the best memories are from the nights at training, the premiership celebrations, Mad Mondays and the special connection I have with every single player. “All of whom will be family to me forever.” The racial vilification incident even prompted Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman to write to South Bunbury Football Club president Leigh Wright and express his concerns. “I am deeply concerned about the claims of racist and sexist behaviour at the South Bunbury Football Club,” Mr Templeman told the South Western Times. “I have written to the president of the club to express my concerns and to convey my belief that sport should be inclusive and that women and First Nations players should feel welcome and safe. “I believe leadership should step up, address the concerns raised by players and coaches and implement any required changes.” Mr Wright was contacted for comment but said he would not be speaking at this time. Since the exodus, several Tigers premiership players have already found new homes including Bethany Bond (Donnybrook), Charli Wicksteed (Donnybrook), Maddy Obal (Busselton), Gemma Wharton (Busselton), Karyn Beeson (Busselton), Kate Fielding (Carey Park), Tonya Matthews (Carey Park) and Kristy Jetta (HBL).

investigation
South Bunbury women’s football team: How side went from dynasty to exiting the SWFL in less than two months

Subscribe today.

Everyday Digital

Weekend Papers + Everyday Digital

$9 per week

investigationSouth Bunbury women’s football team: How side went from dynasty to exiting the SWFL in less than two months

Subscribe today.

Everyday Digital

Weekend Papers + Everyday Digital

$9 per week

investigation
South Bunbury women’s football team: How side went from dynasty to exiting the SWFL in less than two months