GSFL bounce into division 3 grand final

The Great Southern Football League will face Regional Allstars in the division 3 grand final of the Landmark Country Football Championships tomorrow, as their desperate bid for promotion is put to the test.

Needing a win over Central Wheatbelt in their final qualifying game at David Grays Arena in Mandurah this afternoon, the GSFL did just that as they set up a second consecutive grand final appearance in division 3.

Central Wheatbelt kicked the first goal of the game but the GSFL found their feet after that as the midfield, led by superb tap ruckman Stuart Parker, got right on top.

Kane Shephard and Joel Want constantly won the ball out of the middle and their side kicked the next four goals to break things open.

The GSFL led by 28 points at half time and were able to hold Central Wheatbelt at bay in the second half, despite their opponents kicking the last three goals of the match.

They finished 22-point winners in the end, as a second win in three games left them in the top two on the ladder and secured a berth in the decider.

Shephard was outstanding in the middle and kicked two first half goals while Want, Parker and defender Luke Hutcheson were also influential.

The inclusion of John Lee had immediate impact as he booted three goals and Jake Becroft (two goals) was also lively in the 10.2 (62) to 6.4 (40) result.

The GSFL lost last year’s division 3 grand final but will seek redemption when they face Regional Allstars at Claremont Oval at 10am tomorrow.

Meanwhile Ongerup Football Association have narrowly missed out on making the division 2 grand final, falling nine percent short in a thrilling finish to the qualifying games.

After a draw with Mortlock on the opening day and then a one-point loss to Great Northern left Ongerup precariously placed.

Mortlock beat Great Northern in the early division 2 game and that left three teams alive in the race to play Great Northern for the title.

Ongerup prevailed in a terrific clash with Eastern Districts but their 12-point win wasn’t enough.

Mortlock had jumped above them on percentage after a 35-point win over Great Northern to pinch the last grand final spot.

Ongerup and Mortlock both had six points but Mortlock’s percentage of 119.44 was superior to Ongerup’s 110.89.