GSFLW 2024: Albany book grand final berth with thrilling three-point win over Mt Barker in qualifying final

Albany are one step closer to rectifying last year’s grand final heartache after defeating a fast-finishing Mt Barker in a thrilling qualifying final at Retravision Stadium on Friday. In a game that ebbed and flowed, it was the Sharks who were the better team for longer with a gripping three-point triumph to advance into the Great Southern Football League decider. The Sharks overcame a sluggish start by booting four goals to two in the last three quarters to prevail 4.5 (29) to 4.2 (26). After trailing by 11 points at the first change, the Sharks were left to rue squandered chances in front of goals and entered halftime one point in arrears. Last year’s grand finalists rectified their goal-kicking woes in the third with two unanswered majors to enter the final change with a 10-point buffer. The Bulls kicked back into gear in the last with a goal but left their run too little too late and the Sharks held on to victory. Sharks’ Amarlie Weinert was mercurial inside forward 50 with a game-high two majors, while Jeanette Gordon and Lindy Woods booted one each. Emma Gooderson, Taiah Curtis, Maddi Miller and Samantha Waltho were all prolific in the Sharks’ push for another grand final appearance. Sophie Richards, Kiarni Stevens and ruck Georgia Kowald toiled hard for the Bulls in defeat, while spearhead Mikayla Balloch, Kaitlin Eades and Chloe Semple all converted a goal. The Bulls will face Railways next week at Sounness Park on Friday evening in the preliminary final.