Orzel solid in State win, McGovern soars

Great Southern Football League’s Matt Orzel helped lead the WA Country Football League to an impressive 40-point win over the South Australian Community Football League in their State clash at Fremantle Oval on Saturday night.

Orzel, who plays for North Albany, was the sole GSFL representative in the strong WA side and he played through the midfield and at half-forward in the 15.14 (104) to 10.4 (64) win which helped the sandgropers reverse last year’s result across the border.

After a tight first half, WA trailed by 10 points before producing a brilliant third term as they completely took the game away from South Australia.

WA booted eight goals in the stunning third quarter while keeping their opponents scoreless to set up the memorable victory.

Playing in WA colours for the second consecutive year, Orzel was solid across the four quarters, while ex-North Albany and Carlton-listed defender Josh Bootsma was also part of the triumphant team.

Bootsma, now playing for Katanning in the Upper Great Southern Football League, was named in the best players for WA after a starring role across half-back. Former AFL player Brett Peake was superb in the win kicking six majors, while Blake Borrett, Matthew Buxton, Courtney Lakay and Andrew Haydon were among WA’s best players.

Captain Scott Worthington chipped in the two goals while Joel Houghton and David Johnston were also multiple goal kickers.

In the AFL, former North Albany junior Mitch McGovern took a huge pack mark with a few seconds left in the Adelaide and Collingwood clash at the MCG on Sunday.

McGovern flew high over several opponents to take the clutch grab and then jailed the set shot after the final siren to draw the match after the Magpies led by as many as 50 points.

The out-of-contract forward was quiet in the first half before coming alive with four goals to go with his 10 disposals and eight marks.