And in most cases with nonchalant ease, with the exception of the two top five sides who faced each other, Harvey Brunswick Leschenault and Collie Eagles.

With both teams being close to full strength, this game came right down to the wire.

After leading narrowly all day the Lions prevailed to win by just three points.

Mick Sherry was back to his dominant best for HBL and may be making a late charge for his second Hayward Medal.

With a loss to Donnybrook and recent close encounters the question needs to be asked: “are Harvey Brunswick Leschenault the powerhouse we all presume and are they capable of retaining the Premiership Cup in 2008?”

Their on-ball players such as Sherry, Foster, Elari and Macfarland, together with a potent forward line and serviceable ruckmen, suggest that they should be.

But on the other hand Carey Park are doing everything asked of them by first year coach John Bagetta and I still maintain that South Bunbury have the calibre of players required to challenge if they can put it all together.

In addition, Collie Eagles narrow loss last Saturday suggests that they are getting back to form and they are a team who can improve without doubt.

Busselton Magpies under new coach Grant Tanner could be the mystery bag.

All of this lends itself toward a very interesting final round series and I am going to have a very close look at these five sides prior to making another bold prediction.

Other matches

The battle for the wooden spoon took place at Margaret River and the Hawks graciously handed the mantle over to the Bulldogs when they led all day to run out 33 point winners.

I understand that the drive to improve in 2009 has already commenced for the Bulldogs and a personal trainer with Bootcamp experience has been appointed with a view to hardening them up and making them faster and more durable.

I would add that the input of some tall timber would also be on the agenda.

Donnybrook and Eaton Boomers were given reality checks about where they’re at when both were soundly defeated by Busselton and Carey Park respectively.

Highlights

The close encounter between HBL and Collie makes for a positive and the six majors booted by Busselton’s Grant Dunn comes as close as there was to a highlight last weekend.

Round 17

There are two very important and interesting matches in the overall scheme of things to be played this weekend.

Firstly, second versus third when Busselton hosts Harvey Brunswick Leschenault at Busselton on Saturday night. Then on Sunday Collie Eagles will be at home to Carey Park.

The outcome of these matches will, with just four more qualifying rounds of fixtures remaining, throw some light on just where these teams are at and I am predicting tight finishes in both games.

The cross town derby will also be staged at Payne Park when Bunbury plays for pride against South Bunbury who will be looking to justify their final five position.

Regardless of position on the ladder these games are never dull and a fiery contest can be expected.

In a who cares match Donnybrook and Augusta Margaret River will meet at Donnybrook to complete the round and Eaton Boomers have the bye.

The Butler’s tips

HBL, South Bunbury, Collie Eagles and Donnybrook.