Big win has GSFL in grand final contention

Great Southern Football League face a must win clash with Central Wheatbelt tomorrow to book a place in the division 3 grand final after splitting their two games of the Landmark Country Football Championships at Bassendean Oval today.

After almost withdrawing earlier in the week the GSFL started strongly in their encounter with Regional Allstars and led by 15 points at half time but were overrun in the second half as they went down six points.

Needing a win to remain alive in hopes of reaching the grand final, the GSFL bounced back strongly against North Midlands as they piled on seven goals to one in the last half on their way to an emphatic 55-point victory.

With Regional Allstars already qualified for the decider, tomorrow afternoon’s fixture between the GSFL and Central Wheatbelt will determine their opponent in Sunday’s grand final.

The GSFL set up their win over North Midlands in the first half with Jesse Wynne and Ryan Gaerth playing starring roles.

The two were a class above the rest on the ground, as they constantly won the ball in midfield and helped their side open up a 14-point half time advantage.

North Midlands kicked the first goal of the second half but it was all GSFL after that as they raced away to win 11.8 (74) to 3.1 (19).

Wynne and Gaerth were highly influential along with the dynamic Kane Shephard and ruckman Stuart Parker gave his midfielders silver platter service.

Jake Becroft was the major beneficiary with three majors while veteran Dionne Woods, Shephard and Brock Tiede all kicked two majors.

Wynne played a key role in the opening fixture of the GSFL’s campaign booting two goals, while Shephard, defenders David Stone and Luke Hutcheson and carnival stalwart Ryan Kinnear all had terrific games.

The only concern for the GSFL is the loss of Stephen Beal, who was concussed with a heavy front on hit in the 5.4 (34) to 6.4 (40) loss to Regional Allstars.

Beal went to hospital and didn’t play in the second game and he remains unlikely to play in tomorrow’s must-win match.

The GSFL will head to David Grays Arena and face Central Wheatbelt following on from the Great Southern Storm playing in the colts decider.