Round 12 featured a high-stakes clash between finals-hunting Coolbinia and a desperate High Wycombe side. With plenty on the line, the contest delivered a thrilling four quarters of football at Coolbinia Oval.
Both teams started cautiously, trading minor scores early. Coolbinia capitalised on a costly High Wycombe turnover to score the first goal. Despite Coolbinia controlling much of the play, Josh Thompson answered for the Bulldogs. Coolbinia led by 1 goal at quarter time.
High Wycombe opened the second quarter with a goal through strong build-up play, but Coolbinia hit back with a quick reply and then surged ahead, kicking four unanswered goals. High Wycombe managed a late goal on the siren to trail by 18 points heading into the main break. Coolbinia would come out firing in the third and extended their lead early, but Josh Thompson sparked a High Wycombe comeback with the bulldogs first of the third quarter. The Bulldogs clawed their way back into the contest, outscoring Coolbinia 4 goals to 2 for the quarter, cutting the margin to just 6 points at the final change.
Coolbinia took control early and never looked back, dominating the final term with a 4-goal-to-1 effort. Their strong finish secured a 24-point win and solidified their place in the top 4. Lyndsy Ashworth (Coolbinia) and Josh Thompson (High Wycombe) were stand out players for their respective sides, both finishing with 5 goals.
Final score:
Coolbinia 13.2.80
High Wycombe 9.2.56
Other results:
A Division:
Curtin Uni Wesley 4.5.29 def by Kingsway 7.3.45
Swan Districts 6.4.40 def by Willetton 6.5.41
B Division:
Mandurah 10.8.68 def Wembley 6.3.39
University 4.2.26 def Fremantle CBC 3.2.20
Warnbro 6.8.44 def Wanneroo 3.2.20