GSFL 2024: Royals add another chapter to decorated colts history with eighth premiership in nine years

Royals’ glorious run of Great Southern Football League colts supremacy continued at Retravision Stadium on Saturday after they outlasted Albany to claim their sixth straight flag and eighth in nine years. On what was a tantalising preview to the league grand final, the Sharks looked to have snatched victory when young gun George Bockman put them nine points up late in the last. But the Lions dug deep to boot two late goals and snatch victory from the Sharks’ clutches, adding to their decorated colts cabinet. Buddy Robinson (two goals) and Harry Watters (three) combined in 60 seconds with four minutes left on the clock to snatch a nine-point lead, enough to hold on for the 9.7 (61) to 8.5 (53) triumph. First-year coach Harvey Lynch was proud to add to the club’s rich colts history but credited his side’s endeavour in the classy victory. “It’s bloody amazing. I only met the guys, literally a month before the season started and they’re a good bunch of kids,” Lynch said. “The boys had their highs and lows throughout the season, but I always believed that the lads had what it took. “I always had faith that they’d be able to go pretty well throughout the season, and it showed. “I knew that we had the fitness, we had everything we needed to push through a tough third quarter, and the way that we came from behind in the last was outstanding.” The Lions booked their spot in the decider after defeating the minor premiers in the qualifying final, and Lynch said they drew on that outstanding victory as inspiration. “We were two and two so the ledger was squared before we played off,” he said. “I just made sure the boys just kept their heads and focused on what we needed to focus on. “After the previous game against Sharks, I knew we had to what it took to be able to level it up. “We discussed that before the game, we discussed it at halftime — you’ve just got to dig deep now.” Mitch Paine was brilliant in the Lions victory and was named grand final best on ground for the second straight year, Cooper Edwards kicked three vital goals and Ashton Henrickson and Brock Zambonetti were also superb. Charlie Anning was outstanding in a losing affair, winning a stack of possessions and kicking two goals, while George Bockman and Ned Shepherd were also lively with two goals. Hamish Bowles, Declan Reid and Evan Delbene also shone in Sharks colours.