Bombers complete stunning second half turnaround

The Hawks, desperate for their first win came out strong at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, booting five majors in the opening period, though three in reply for the hosts kept them within striking distance at quarter-time.

But the Bombers were unable to add to their goals tally in the second term, as Joel Donehue’s team was kept to two behinds, Huntly kicking another two goals to boost the margin up to 25 at half-time, leading 7.5 (47) to 3.4 (22).

Leitchville had an extra bit of motivation entering the second half — Huntly being the side that knocked it out of finals contention last year — and responded well in the third quarter, regaining its scoring touch with four majors to one for the Hawks.

Trailing by eight points heading into the final term, the Bombers still had work to do, and answered the call again with another four goals, Huntly only mustering two in reply as Leitchville overturned the half-time deficit to win 11.8 (74) to 10.10 (70).

The result was not only important for the Bombers to keep confidence high with two wins on the bounce, but also to make the most of having four of their first five games at home.

This weekend, Leitchville is away for the first time in 2026 against Lockington Bamawm United, the Bombers and Cats both with two wins and sitting third and fourth, respectively, on the league ladder.

In an additional wrinkle to the anticipated clash, former Essendon star Dyson Heppell is set to feature in the game for Lockington as part of the club’s Mates for Men’s Health day.