GSFL 2024: Railways roar to win on Anzac Day, Royals flex new talent, Albany begin title defence in style

A rampant Railways kickstarted their season with an emphatic 70-point triumph in their traditional Anzac Day blockbuster clash with North Albany to begin the Great Southern Football League season. After a moving pre-game Anzac Day ceremony at Collingwood Park led by Vietnam veteran Ian Jury on Thursday, April 25, the first term was contested with high octane and tenacity from both sides. But the Tigers roared with ferocity and determination after quarter-time, powered by their star-studded midfield that provided ample opportunities for their forwards. Co-captain and inside bull Jayden Scott was adjudged best-on-ground and awarded the Anzac Day medal for his 24 disposals, seven tackles and two goals in his side’s 15.14 (104) to 5.4 (34) victory. On-baller Ryley Valli was unchained, gathering 32 classy possessions at 88 per cent efficiency; Bailey Bennett was prolific all day with 26 touches and three goals; and Kane Shepherd was at his brilliant best with 27 possessions and two goals. They dominated field position in the second quarter but the Kangas’ backline defended bravely and managed to keep the Tigers to just three goals through Zak Hortin (three goals), Jaxon Lombardini (one) and Bennett. The Tigers’ dominance became all too much for their opposing defenders to handle and they took the game by the scruff of its neck in the third, booting five straight goals, marking a stretch of eight unanswered to blow the game apart. Angus Thompson (three goals) added his third for the day with a crafty snap, before Beau Ewen (one) kicked truly from beyond the arc and Hortin scored two majors on either side of a Shepherd goal. Having not scored a goal in more than 50 minutes, the Kangas’ frustration started to rear its head, with two of their star recruits being shown yellow cards. Luke Mowaljarlai was handed two straight yellow cards m the first for rough conduct, and the second for dissent — before Barry Roberts was carded for rough conduct. It took an inspired finish to the opener from the Kangas for the Tigers to find their groove after the home side booted three straight goals to end the first term. The Tigers converted four of the first five goals before a late flurry from Kangas wrested back momentum with three quick majors in the quarter’s final minutes. Kangas skipper Nick Barrow competed extremely well in defensive 50 with a team-high 29 disposals solely rebounding the Tigers’ constant inside-50s, while Graham Ross (three goals), Travis Conn and Kobi Keen all competed strongly early, but like most Kangas players, faded late. After announcing big-name inclusions and appointing their favourite son Darrell Panizza as coach once again, Royals lived up to their lofty bill as flag contenders with a commanding 40-point win over Mt Barker at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. The Lions unleashed their prized recruits Brock Higgins and Darcy Reader in their 16.7 (103) to 10.3 (63) win, but it was their slick ball use and defensive pressure that was the catalyst to their stunning victory. The Lions were without their previous first-choice ruck Stephen Beal (fitness) but Higgins (38 hit-outs) still dominated in the ruck and was partnered superbly by Nathan Powell (14) who filled Beal’s absence. But once the ball hit the ground, the Lions’ ravenous pressure to force turnovers and precise offensive transition highlighted a complete team performance. Their forward line found numerous avenues to goal, spearheaded by Nicholas Ashford, who finished with a game-high five goals, while small forward Jaiden Mole (four goals) was dangerous at ground level and star midfielder Joel Flick floated forward for two majors. The Lions stamped their authority in the third quarter, scoring six goals to take control of the game, and waltzed into the final change with the final advantage. Corey Ward (21 disposals and a goal) commanded the wing all day with gut running and excellent ball use; Flick (19) was skilful by foot; and Ben Altus (23 and one) offered plenty going forward. Bulls star Zach Jackson was the clear best-on-ground to three-quarter-time before being rotated forward and collecting 28 disposals, booting three goals and clunking seven marks. He was aided soundly by Daniel Patching, who accumulated 27 touches and kicked three goals. In the final match of the round, Albany began their premiership defence with a resounding 112-point win over Denmark-Walpole at McLean Park. Sharks owned the game from start to finish, led expertly by Brett Peake, who kicked a bag of seven to lead his side to a sterling 25.10 (160) to 7.6 (48) win. The Sharks disposed of a late-fading Magpies side, booting 16 second-half goals led by Peake, Isaac Baum, reigning Kleemann medallist Robbie Lee, and Bailey Taylor (all three goals). Kane Pinney and Bryce Blaszkow (two goals) were also prolific all day in Sharks’ mammoth victory. Magpies star Tyler Stone was a rare shining light on a gloomy day in Denmark, finishing with four majors, while Ben Olden, youngster Marlon Mastalerz, and Ben Atwell fought hard.