GSFLW 2023: Royals remain undefeated, Denmark-Walpole thump Mt Barker and Railways outlast North Albany

Royals extended their winning streak to nine games in the 2023 Great Southern Football League women’s competition, storming to a convincing 25-point win as part of their Pride Round clash against Albany on Friday night. The inaugural Pride Round initiative was headlined by a fixture between the Lions and Albany in the first fixture before Railways tackled North Albany to complete the double-header at Retravision Stadium. Supported by headspace Albany, Palmerston and Albany Pride, players donned special socks in all three fixtures in round nine and pride flags were used by the goal umpires while a pride ball was awarded to each of the players judged best on ground in each game. The Lions got off to a flying start against the Sharks, kicking 4.4 in the opening half and holding their opposition scoreless as they went into the long break with a 29-point lead. A goal in the third term opened up a 36-point advantage for the Lions at three-quarter-time as the game looked sewn up. Two majors to Alethea Ball in the fourth quarter gave the Sharks some confidence as the Lions were kept scoreless in the final term, however, the damage was done and they emerged with a comfortable 5.7 (37) to 2.0 (12) victory. Lions captain Gracie Gibson led the way with three goals while Megan Green (one goal) and Nardia Humphries (one goal) also chipped in. Nicola Thomas, Adelaide Crossing, Bree Davy and Hayley Ashboth were outstanding in the Lions’ ninth consecutive win. Sharks’ Ball, Emma Gooderson, Samantha Waltho and Poppy Rourke showed fight in their third loss of the season. Meanwhile, the Tigers held on for a gritty 10-point win over Kangas in the later fixture. Both sides went goal-for-goal in the opening quarter, each kicking three apiece with the Tigers going into the break one point ahead. After a goalless second term, a solitary Tigers major in the third quarter proved the difference as neither side could muster another goal for the rest of the game and the reigning premiers finished 4.6 (30) to 3.2 (20) winners. Captain Laura Cinnani (one goal) along with Stefanie Boyle, Maggie Smit (one goal) and Ksharna Coyne all shone while Abigail Livingstone finished as the Tigers only multiple goal-kicker. Mabel Markey (two goals) and Lilly Briscoe (one goal) were the Kangas’ goal kickers as Kyla King, Olivia Toole, Josie Western and Laura Archer were also impressive but their side’s finals hopes were ended with the loss. Denmark-Walpole stitched up a top-four spot with a percentage-boosting win against Mt Barker at McLean Park in the remaining round nine fixture. The fourth-placed side are set to play the red-hot Lions in the semifinals in a fortnight with both sides ladder positions confirmed. The Bulls conceded four first-half goals and two more in the second half and were scoreless for the entirety of the contest. Rebecca MacDonald had a night out, booting four goals in the Magpies’ forward line while Abby Needs snagged two of her own as they won 6.13 (49) to nil. Emma Henderson, Sophie Coates, Megan Ross and MacDonald were the stand-outs for the winners while Kaitlin Eades, Laura Macniven, Joanne Porteous and Rachel Adams toiled hard in a losing affair.