GSFL 2024: Railways respond in style with 79-point victory in club stalwart Zak Hortin’s milestone 200th game

Railways’ 79-point victory over Denmark-Walpole in one of their loyal servants’ milestone games was the perfect response after last week’s disappointing loss, according to player-coach Bodhi Stubber. The Tigers moved back to third spot on percentage after celebrating Zak Hortin’s 200th league game in style at McLean Park, clawing their way back onto the winners list. The milestone man had a field day inside-50 with four goals as he was chaired from the ground after leading his side to a strong 15.15 (105) to 4.2 (26) victory in the Great Southern Football League. After managing just three goals in the Sharks loss, the Tigers scored freely in the first half while keeping the hosts to just one goal. The ball seemingly lived in the visitors’ forward half through the opening two quarters as they flexed their muscles with seven goals to the Magpies’ one. “(It was) definitely a good response this week and it was a non-negotiable to go out there and play our footy and get back on the winners list,” Stubber said. “I thought our midfielders got back on top this week and it’s always good having Chin (Jayden Scott) back in there who helps organise it and provides a bit of grunt. “Ryley (Valli) and Mo (Mohit Jaggi) definitely set us up in the middle as well. “It’s just crucial to win these games and stay in touch with the top two and not lose our distance, it’s important to stay right behind them.” They took less than two minutes to get on the scoreboard after Hortin set up debutant Robert Farmer, who scored with his first kick in league football before Stubber converted a set shot moments later. Hortin finished off their strong four-goal opening term with a long-range bomb, as teammates came from all over the ground to celebrate. “It’s a great achievement, especially in country footy, it’s a fair few years of footy and he has had his fair share of injuries along the way as well,” Stubber said. “He has kicked a lot of goals for the club and is one of only two blokes who have won four premierships at Railways in our history so it’s an outstanding effort.” The second quarter was much like the first and the visitors booted another three goals while keeping the hosts scoreless. Farmer (two goals) was prolific across half-forward with line-breaking runs and classy ball use. Ryley Valli, Mohit Jaggi and co-captain Jayden Scott thrived in the contest and accumulated crucial clearances all afternoon while Bailey Bennett booted four goals in the dominant victory. Gus Brampton, Marlon Mastalerz (one goal), Brad Keast (one) and Banjo Watkins all competed hard on a trying day for the Magpies. “Across the whole ground they (Railways) probably had a bit more depth than us and they controlled the game across the whole ground,” Magpies coach Brad Nisbett said. “We struggled to get our hands on the ball and they used it better. “We had a very different side this weekend with eight changes and five guys 17-and-under which makes things tough. “The bye will be good for us to get a mental break and physical break as well, and then hopefully we come back really competitive for the last few games.”