GSFLW 2024: Railways start strongly, Sharks win grand final replay and Magpies deliver home ground success

A polished Railways, redemptive Albany and dominant Denmark-Walpole each secured victories in the Great Southern Football League Women’s opening round of the season on Saturday. With all GSFLW games played at McLean Park on Saturday as part of the round one triple-header, the Tigers were the first team to secure premiership points after defeating a spirited Bulls side by 24 points. The Tigers were composed and skilful forward of centre through captain Tiarna Delli-Benedetti (two goals), Amy Kennedy (one) and Ksharna Coyne while rebounding superbly through vice-captain Kathryn Slattery in their 6.1 (37) to 2.1 (13) triumph. They scored in the opening play of the match when Kennedy converted her set shot directly in front after a deep centre clearance from bounce-down. Bulls’ Kaitlin Eades hit back midway through the term before Delli-Benedetti converted her first of the afternoon after a brilliant gather from a turnover to extend the quarter-time lead back to one goal. Tigers’ Claire McIntyre soccered one inside the goal square in the second before Delli-Benedetti’s snap out of a stoppage gave Railways a three-goal lead heading into the final quarter. Vaghla Hill’s first major handed the Tigers a four-goal lead, the biggest of the match, before Bulls’ full forward Kiya Bedford-Gray converted a consolation goal. The Bulls moved the ball well from the half-back line through Saige Askevold, Sophie Richards and Eades but struggled to break down the Tigers’ adamant defence. The Sharks earned their grand final retribution by holding reigning premiers Royals goalless through three quarters on their way to a 16-point win in game two on Saturday. Resolute defence proved instrumental for the Sharks in avoiding a repeat of last year’s decider, securing a decisive 3.6 (24) to 1.2 (8) triumph. Captain Abbie Ballard led from the front with the opening goal of the match while Amarlie Weinert and Alice Jones each converted a major each. Samantha Waltho, Maddi Miller and Taiah Curtis were the Sharks’ other key contributors. Jazelle Foggin, Cheyane Hardy, Abigail Maslij and Rachael Goetze all fought hard for the Lions while Megan Green kicked their only goal for the match. The Magpies flexed their muscles on their home deck, securing a crushing 38-point win over North Albany in the final match of the triple-header round on Saturday to go top of the ladder. The Magpies’ three-goal first quarter, coupled with outstanding defence that kept the Kangas scoreless in the second half set up their 7.5 (47) to 1.3 (9) success. Rebecca McDonald dominated inside 50 for the Magpies, finishing with a game-high three goals while Amber Jeeves converted two. Magpies’ Lucia Edwards, Emma Henderson, Coates-Ahomiro and Matilda McHenry were exceptional across all four quarters. The Kangas showed glimpses of their quality with stand-out performances from Tiffany Butterworth, Lauren Hercus, Ella Kiddle and Pippa Wilson while Nicole Boland kicked their only goal for the match.