GSFL 2024: Clinical Railways put North Albany to the sword with 28 goals in thumping 161-point victory

Railways crucially moved one game and significant percentage clear of rivals Mt Barker in the battle for third spot, after a thumping 161-point win over North Albany on Saturday. In the Great Southern Football League’s NAIDOC Round, the Tigers piled on 14 goals to two in a clinical first half and kicked 14 more in the second half on the way to their biggest win of the season. The Tigers discovered their offensive groove at one end and their defence held firm at the other, conceding just three goals in the 28.13 (181) to 3.2 (20) hiding at Collingwood Park. Kleemann Medal fancy Ryley Valli was sublime across all four quarters, amassing a wealth of possessions and booting four majors on his way to being awarded the match ball after being judged best-on-ground by the umpires. Bailey Bennett had a field day forward of centre with a bag of six goals while Mohit Jaggi’s strong run of form continued after booting five of the Tigers’ 28 goals. Co-captain Jayden Scott sustained his goal-scoring run discovered at the country championships last weekend with four goals and provided vital grunt in the midfield. Tigers player-coach Bodhi Stubber said he was pleased with the way his side transitioned the ball in the win. “We kicked six goals to two into the wind in the first which helps,” he said. “But it is the best we’ve moved the footy all year in the first half. “We are still trying to find the right balance (in our team) and had a few out on the weekend.” Young ruckman Hunter Porteous made his debut and shared the duties with Daniel Thomas as the Tigers tried a new mix at stoppages while teenager Robert Farmer was also impressive in his second league game. After a blistering opening term where they booted six goals to Kangas’ two, the Tigers then turned the screws even further in the second with eight unanswered goals while keeping their opponents scoreless to lead by 77 points at half time. The Tigers face a defining three weeks with games against Royals, the Bulls and reigning premiers Albany that will shape where they finish on the ladder. The Kangas were best served by Nick Barrow, Brandon Woods, Seth Hambley and Kobi Keen while Barrow, Jeremiah McKenzie and Graham Ross were their goal scorers.