Strong defensive display helps Lions reclaim top, Magpies snap back into form and Sharks hold off late surge

Reigning premiers Royals reclaimed top spot after powering over the top of Railways by 21 points in today’s top-of-the-table clash at a wet and blustery Centennial Stadium. Heavy overnight rain played a part in heavy conditions but the Lions outclassed their opponents after quarter time to celebrate Michael McGlade’s 150th league game in style. The win hands the Lions top spot back on the Great Southern Football League ladder with three rounds to play and puts them in the box seat to host this month’s second semifinal. The Tigers got the early jump with two goals in the first term before the home side clicked into gear and wrestled back the advantage, to head into half time with a 10-point lead. The third quarter proved decisive as the Tigers kicked to the end favoured by the strong wind and failed to capitalise booting only one behind while Hamish McMorran jailed his second at the other end to stretch the margin to 16 points. The Lions peppered the goalmouth in the final term and a run of behinds was ended by impressive debutant Ryley Valli as he kicked his first goal of league footy to snuff out any faith Tigers hope. Youngster Andrew Smith kicked the Tigers third major late in the final term but his side coughed up top spot as their nine-game winning streak came to an end. McGlade was chaired from the ground after a winning milestone and his midfield led the way as they took control after quarter time. Jordan Heil and Brayden Parker were allowed to roam the half-back line with freedom, both starring in the 6.9 (45) to 3.6 (24) result. Cameron Allison racked up countless possessions in the stoppage-heavy game while clearance player David Parker and big man Stephen Beal also were key parts of the victory. The Tigers had an afternoon to forget, losing Haydn Sproxton (hamstring) and Joel Want to injury and star forward Matt Palfrey went goalless and was yellow carded in the second for a high bump on Rhys Jones. Mitch Green was busy in his return from injury, Logan Stubber won plenty of ball in the midfield and Kane Shephard was busy in the opening half but their side fell down badly forward of centre. Albany survived a second half scare from North Albany to notch their fifth win of the season at Collingwood Park yesterday, edging closer to a first-ever finals appearance. A six-goal second term had the Sharks in command at half time but a spirited Kangas side hauled themselves back into the contest after the long break. Jeff Fitzpatrick booted two goals while majors to Rhori Williams-Jolley, Grant Freeborough and Jyrin Woods helped the home side storm back into calculations. The Kangas kicked six goals to one and trailed by 16 points at the last change and when Woods snapped his second of the game, the margin was cut to under single figures early in the fourth quarter. However key forward Matt Galantino added his fourth and two great finishes from young speedster Max Baker ensured the Sharks prevailed 13.12 (90) to 9.8 (62). Brett Peake was highly influential in the result as the former AFL player booted five goals, including four in the second stanza. Robbie Lee was everywhere in the middle of the ground, ruckman Dane Holdman was a telling figure all afternoon and Baker came to lift after a slow start. The only sour point for the Sharks was losing Luke Mowaljarlai Jr before half time after he received two yellow cards, the first for a sling tackle and then rough conduct. Woods also got a yellow card for a sling tackle in the first term and Harry Smith received a yellow card for rough conduct in an incident with Mowaljarlai Jr nearing half time. The Sharks were reduced to 17 players for 15 minutes as a result but they responded when challenged in the last half to move two games clear in fourth spot. Heath Ravenhill was a shining light for the Kangas in the midfield and his team were also well served by Mitch Lenegan, Fitzpatrick and Nathan Crudeli. Denmark-Walpole snapped a four-game losing streak with a gritty 15-point victory over Mt Barker at McLean Park yesterday to significantly boost their finals aspirations. The Magpies skipped two games clear of the Bulls with three rounds remaining as they returned to the winners list, 11.7 (73) to 8.10 (58) in the Hard Memorial Game. The Magpies booted four goals to two in the second quarter to extend their narrow four-point quarter time lead to 18 points at the main change. Ryan Gaerth kicked two goals in the second term while Brody Hickey added a second also for the home side. Zane Marwick kicked the first goal of the third stanza before Hickey added a third and then when Shayne Zanetti and Gaerth kicked truly the Magpies had opened up a game-high 41-point margin. However late goals to Sam Lehmann and Brodie Duffield reduced the deficit to 28 points at the last change. Lehmann kicked the first goal of the last term before Scott Price and Duffield slotted majors, and in a flash the buffer was back to nine points. A steadying goal from Zanetti however guided the Magpies to their fifth win of the season. Gaerth was terrific in the win with three goals and a stack of possessions while Jayden Woods was back to his best and Zane Marwick was also influential. Hickey finished with three goals and key target Zanetti (two goals) was also vital. Duffield ended up with three goals for the Bulls while Lehmann and Price added two each. Youngster Tristan Ballard was impressive in defence along with Luke Hammond while Daniel Patching was solid through the middle of the ground but their side fell to a ninth loss of the season and dented their hopes of a top four finish.