Gibson boots three goals in Lions’ triumph over Tigers, Magpies and Sharks other round five winners

Royals made it five successive wins in the Great Southern Football League women’s competition after accounting for Railways on Friday night. The Lions came into round five on top of the ladder after an undefeated start to 2023 and they added to that impressive run by downing the reigning premiers on their home turf. Two unanswered goals in the second half powered the Lions to a 12-point triumph at Tigerland. Key forward Gracie Gibson produced a telling performance in the Lions’ fifth victory, booting all three majors as her side proved too strong 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7). Gibson kicked the opening goal of the game to give her side the early advantage before an Ellie White major helped the Tigers level scores before half-time. A second major from Gibson put the visitors back in front by three-quarter-time and she added a third in the final stanza to seal the result. Nardia Humphries, Megan Green and Narelle Humphries were also vital for the Lions as they kept their unbeaten status intact. The home side was best served by Stefanie Boyle, Kelly Pages, Maddie Dallimore and Ksharna Coyne. In the other round five fixture played at Tigerland on Friday, Denmark-Walpole made it back-to-back wins. The Magpies were behind early in the contest against North Albany but a goal from captain Sophie Coates gave last year’s grand finalists the advantage at the main break. The third term was dominated by the Magpies as their midfield got on top and kept the ball locked inside forward 50. Midfielder Emma Henderson capped a strong piece of play with a long-range goal to extend the Magpies’ advantage to 15 points at three-quarter-time. The Kangas had the only score of the final term, a behind, but they failed to land a goal in the 14-point defeat. Henderson was terrific in the victory and she was well supported by Stephanie Dunlop, Isobelle Venn and Sarah Cvitan. Pippa Wilson and Mabel Markey both won plenty of the ball for the Kangas while Lilly Briscoe and Josie Western were also named in their best players. On Saturday, Albany sealed a 33-point win over Mt Barker at Sounness Park. Alethea Ball was the star for Sharks booting five goals as her side won a fourth game of the season. Scores were level at 18-all at half-time but the Sharks had the better of the second half as they kicked six goals to one to run out winners 9.4 (58) to 4.1 (25). Ball was well-supported by Taiah Curtis, Poppy Rooke and Emma Walker while Zarli Curtis, Emma Gooderson, Sian Lucas and Joanne Woods also kicked majors. The home side had strong contributions from Chloe Semple, Mikayla Balloch, Taysja Cronin and Bella Grinham. Their four goals were kicked by Talia Coyne, Tyra Coyne, Georgia Henderson and Mandie Villis.

Gibson boots three goals in Lions’ triumph over Tigers, Magpies and Sharks other round five winners

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