Reigning GSFLW premiers Royals knocked out in preliminary final by gritty Denmark-Walpole side

Denmark-Walpole eliminated Royals from this year’s premiership race with a gritty 11-point win in Friday night’s preliminary final at Retravision Stadium. The Magpies and Lions had split their two games in the regular season but it was the visitors who emerged victorious in a low-scoring affair, booking their maiden grand final appearance in the process. A first-term goal gave the Magpies plenty of belief and their slender lead was cut to five points at half-time as the Lions started to win more of the ball around the stoppages. The Lions kicked another behind in the third quarter but the Magpies added two behinds of their own as they went into the last change up by six points. Both sides put it all on the line in the final stanza, but a second major from the Magpies sealed a memorable finals triumph as they downed last year’s premiers 2.5 (17) to 0.6 (6). Brittany Finigan and Ashleigh Needs were the heroes for the Magpies, kicking a goal each to send their side into a grand final. Jane Devenport again won plenty of the ball for the winners and she was well supported by Kellie White, Erika Tharratt and Chloe Bleechmore. The Lions had their opportunities but were left to rue kicking in front of goal, as their bid to reach back-to-back grand finals was ended. Midfield star Taylah Orzel was again terrific for the Lions and the experienced Kathryn Jennings was also telling. Taylah Burt and Krystal Prunster also did their best to get the Lions across the line. This will be the first time since the inception of GSFLW in 2018 that the Lions haven’t featured in the grand final. It was a big result for the Magpies who will play in their first women’s grand final and it will be on their home ground at McLean Park against Railways.