Former East Fremantle midfielder Morgan Davies stars in Sharks debut despite going down to impressive Tigers

Railways recorded their ninth win of the season despite an impressive return to the Great Southern Football League by former East Fremantle midfielder Morgan Davies at Tigerland on Sunday. Davies had 32 possessions and former AFL player Brett Peake kicked four goals, however the Albany Sharks were overrun by a determined Tigers outfit in round 10 of the Great Southern Football League. The 42-point win ensured the Tigers head into the last round of fixtures on top and five games clear of the third-placed Denmark-Walpole. The Sharks trailed by just 14 points at the main change after an impressive first half before the Tigers kicked six goals to two in the second half to prevail, 13.13 (91) to 7.7 (49). Tough midfielder Jayden Scott burst through to snap the first goal of the third stanza before Logan Stubber slotted his second major from 50m to push the margin to 26 points. The Tigers had all the ascendancy heading into the final quarter after a late goal from Joel Want and they kicked the first three majors of the final term to put the result beyond doubt. The margin reached a game-high 54 points before the Sharks kicked two final term goals, including a fourth to Peake, but the loss saw them slip outside the top four for the first time this season. Logan Stubber was terrific through the midfield for the Tigers, producing another best-on-ground performance with 29 touches and two goals. Bodhi Stubber worked hard at centre-half-forward, Craig Frost was influential through the midfield,while Palfrey (two goals and 22 disposals) was impressive in a midfield-forward role. Tigers coach Mark Bayliss said he was impressed with the performance given the absence of some senior players. “I think we were able to gain control of the match, mentally,” he said. “We started to show our strength around the ball in the second half and get on top, which was pretty good to see. “All three debutants impressed me as well and showed composure and that they are not that far away. “We will just look to keep progressing towards finals and I was impressed with how both sides played.” Davies starred in his return to the competition and had 11 touches in a busy first term, helping set up the Sharks’ first goal of the match via Peake. The Sharks took the lead in the first term after captain Jake Louthean goaled but the Tigers responded with the next two before a late goal to Sam Christo levelled the scores at the first change. Four goals to two in the second term helped the Tigers take a 14-point advantage into the main break and they ran away with the contest from there. Davies was outstanding for the Sharks and was tagged for the majority of the match while ruckman Dane Holdman was very impressive along with Robbie Lee and Peake, who again showed his forward craft with 4.3 from 13 touches. “I think it’s a massive belief thing,” Sharks coach Jamie Ramm said. “We are improving and our side is getting stronger every week. “They are starting to believe. “Once, they were never disappointed in a loss, now, even in the change rooms, they are devastated.”