GSFL 2024: Royals’ blistering start buries a fast-finishing Albany in Retravision Cup derby

Royals coach Darrell Panizza declared the “Sharks were never going to win” after his side’s blistering start led them to a stunning Retravision Cup derby victory over a fast-finishing Albany side on Saturday night. The Lions were electric early against their co-tenants before receiving a late scare by the Sharks, but held firm to register a key victory that moved them to an equal 6-2 Great Southern Football League record. In trying conditions, the Lions jumped the ladder leaders with five first quarter-goals, with three coming from the boot of key forward Nicholas Ashford (four goals), who has not played since round five. Ashford registered his name on the score sheet in the opening minutes before slotting back-to-back set shots mid-way through the term while mercurial forward Jaiden Mole (three goals) added two himself. After their explosive start at one end, they bolstered their defence at the other, holding the Sharks scoreless in the second term — marking the first time this season that the reigning premiers failed to score in a quarter. Panizza credited his side’s fast start which ultimately set up their 11.8 (74) to 10.7 (67) derby victory, moving them ahead in the Retravision Cup ledger 2-1. “Sharks were never going to win after the first quarter — they were never going to win,” he said after their victory on Saturday. “You can’t get five goals back on a night like tonight. “Really the start of the game was crucial . . . and I suppose we were ready for the game and they started sluggishly.” Zak Mola was a bull in the engine room and was rewarded with the Think Mental Health Round match ball for his best-on-ground performance, while Teague Valli played a pivotal role on the wing. Defender Brayden Parker relentlessly rebounded all game and was buoyed by fellow backman Corey Linthorne, who kept Sean Plaisted trophy leader Brett Peake goalless up until the last quarter. Despite the greasy conditions, Panizza backed in their three ruckmen Brock Higgins, Nathan Powell and Stephen Beal following Hamish McMorran and Jordan Hulm’s late withdrawals. “We probably got caught out a bit earlier because we had two late withdrawals . . . but once it dried up it all sort of panned out,” Panizza said. “I think our midfield was really good early and then we sort of waned a little bit, but most players across the board were good. “I thought the back line were pretty honest and fair as well.” However, as the game wore on and the ground dried up, so did their scoring chances and the Sharks began to swing momentum into their favour. After a slow first half, Sharks midfield star Bailey Taylor began to impose himself on the game and help turn the Sharks’ cogs. Stand-in Sharks captain Kane Pinney competed strongly in the back half all game while Mitch Collier (four goals) and Isaac Baum (two) were dangerous forward of centre. “They (Royals) were pretty good all day but we just bombed it down the line too much,” Pinney said. “We know we’re a pretty fit side, and we play it four quarters pretty well but it’s too hard when you’re chasing all day.”