GSFL 2024: Royals romp to big home win over North Albany, securing second spot and finals double chance

Royals tuned up for their qualifying showdown against the Sharks with a comprehensive 97-point win over North Albany at Retravision Stadium. As they welcomed key trio Stephen Beal, Ryan Lazar and Corey Ward back to the side, the Lions produced a clinical opening half on their way to securing second spot and a vital finals double chance. Nine goals to one in the first half effectively ended the contest, and the home side cruised to an 11th win of the Great Southern Football League season. They will now turn their attention to a finals blockbuster with their co-tenants. The Lions could have lost second spot if they went down to the fifth-placed Kangas but they led by 54 points at half-time and that margin continued to grow, helping celebrate co-captain Hamish McMorran’s 100th league game in the best possible fashion. “We worked pretty hard but we played pretty well, that is the pleasing thing,” Lions coach Darrell Panizza said. “Last week and this week we’ve played some really good footy and we haven’t had a walk in the park. “If you can ask for a real good preparation for finals footy, I think we’ve had it.” Majors to Graham Ross and Brandon Woods early in the third term ignited the Kangas briefly as they cut the margin to 42 points but they simply couldn’t sustain the pressure. The Lions hit back with three goals to go into the final change well ahead, and then powered to a 17.19 (121) to 3.6 (24) result on the back of four-goal hauls from Nic Ashford and Ryan Lazar. Brayden Parker was irrepressible at half-back, collecting possessions at will in a highly influential display, and he had plenty of support. Ben Altus was damaging through the middle of the ground, Zak Mola’s clearance work was again superb, and David Parker and Declan McNamara won plenty of the ball. Beal (two goals) was solid early in his return from an ankle injury before being rested in the second half and Jaiden Mole chipped in with three majors. The only concern for the Lions was what appeared to be a serious knee injury to tall Chandler Askevold-McDonald. However, those fears were eased a little post-game with the Lions confident he had sustained an ankle injury that was not season-ending. The Kangas’ season came to an end with an eighth loss by 90 points or more as they finished with two wins over bottom side Denmark-Walpole. Hardworking midfielder Nick Barrow broke his side’s lengthy goal drought in the second term, Drew Willcocks was outstanding in the middle before being moved to defence, and Kobi Keen, Woods and Fynn Kelleher-Bird were also key contributors for the Kangas. “Our ball use, sometimes (under) no pressure, we turn it over and goes down the other end for a goal,” Kangas coach Brad Bootsma said. “In the third quarter we came out strong but we just can’t sustain it. “I thought (we) fought it out but Royals finished second and have got a bit to play for.”