GSFL 2024: Royals in box seat for finals double chance after strong response against Denmark-Walpole

Royals are in the box seat to secure a vital finals double chance after their crushing 92-point over Denmark-Walpole at McLean Park on Saturday. The Lions jumped back to second on the Great Southern Football League ladder after their 10th win of the season, and stayed there following Railways’ loss to Albany on Sunday. Heading into the final round of the regular season, the Lions are one game and percentage clear of the third-placed Tigers, and host the fifth-placed North Albany this Saturday, with a win guaranteeing second spot. The Lions booted six goals in the second term to take control but the Magpies, despite missing a host of their regular players, fought hard in the third quarter. Goals to Jack Marney and Josh Thompson helped the home side win the third term as they reduced the deficit to 52 points, but the damage had been done. The Lions piled on seven majors in the fourth on their way to a comfortable win, 17.18 (120) to 4.4 (28). “Our backline has been really good all year and held up again,” Lions coach Darrell Panizza said. “I was a lot happier this week. We scored, and obviously we have to still win this week, but we just have to win.” Nic Ashford was a terrific target in attack for the visitors, kicking five goals, while Seb Stanton chipped in with three. Midfield trio Zak Mola, Declan McNamara and Brayden Parker were highly influential, and ruck Nathan Powell was also impressive, but their side lost Corey Linthorne to an elbow injury. The Magpies were brave in defeat, and well led by Brad Keast, Tyler Stone (two goals), Thompson, Ben Olden, and Jed Schwarzbach. Magpies coach Brad Nisbett paid credit to the players who stepped up from the lower grades and helped fill the void left by several omissions. “The boys had a good crack, which was the main thing,” he said. “We got done by a more quality side in the end.”