Railways claim fourth win as injury ends the season early for boom GSFL recruit and former Brisbane Lion Ash McGrath

Former Brisbane Lions star and boom Great Southern Football League recruit Ash McGrath has played his final game for Denmark-Walpole this season. McGrath booted two goals in the Magpies’ tense 14-point loss to Railways on Saturday but spoke to his teammates in the rooms post-game to inform them he requires shoulder surgery and won’t play for the remainder of 2020. Magpies co-coach Ryan Gaerth confirmed that McGrath’s season was done, saying the 214-AFL gamer’s troublesome shoulder had worsened in his four matches this season. It is a bitter blow for the Magpies in their bid to play finals, given they are locked in a battle with North Albany and Mt Barker with five rounds to play. McGrath played with his right shoulder strapped and kicked 13 goals in his four appearances. “That was it for him,” Gaerth said. “His shoulder is cooked, he landed on it a couple of times this year and I think he’s going in to see the surgeon this week and get it done straight away. “It’s unfortunate we lose him, he’s our leading goal kicker but he said he wants to come back next year and enjoyed playing with the boys.” The Tigers improved their win-loss record to 4-1 after the gritty victory against the Magpies in a see-sawing affair at Tigerland. In a match that had six lead changes, the Tigers kicked the final three goals to wrestle back the advantage and move two games and percentage clear in second spot at the halfway point of the season. Only four goals were kicked in the opening half and scores were level at half-time before the contest broke open in the third — the Magpies kicking back-to-back goals through McGrath and then veteran Dionne Woods to hit the front. But a late major from Ryan Davies ensured the Tigers went into the last change with their noses in front. McGrath booted his second to rally the Magpies early in the final term as they again snatched the lead but the Tigers responded as goals to Matt Palfrey and Kane Shephard got the home side ahead and then Jayden Scott sealed victory. In a best-afield display, Magpies ruckman Shayne Zanetti dominated to continue his stellar form and his combination with Gaerth at stoppages was brilliant. Mitch Green was superb at half-back, intercepting and also setting up the Tigers going forward while bullocking midfielder Scott lifted considerably after half-time to will the home side across the line, 8.16 (64) to 7.8 (50). Tigers star Palfrey kicked 1.5 from 16 touches and seven marks and was closely checked by Magpie Coen Marwick all afternoon, but he set up two of Jack Steel’s majors as the small forward kicked a game-high three goals. “The wind made it tough and Denmark defended really well so I was just happy to get away with the four points,” Tigers coach Troy Leo said. “Early on a lot of guys thought it was just going to happen but after half-time everyone put their hand up.” Jayden Woods (25 possessions) was lively for the Magpies, Gaerth had 26 disposals, Ashley Smith worked hard and Alec Haskins was busy in the second half. “I was a bit concerned heading in with who we had out,” Gaerth said. “There was a couple of little moments that hurt us, we could have gone a goal and a half up early in the last but they kept coming and got us in the end. “We just have to keep chipping away and improving every week but it really feels like we have a shot this year.”