Tigers overcome sluggish start to claim Anzac Day, Brett Peake’s seven goals inspires Sharks to third win

Railways overcame a sluggish start to hold North Albany goalless in the last three quarters and chalk up an impressive 48-point victory in the Anzac Day match at Tigerland this afternoon. The Kangas booted five opening term goals but could not register a major from that point on as the Tigers found their groove in front of a large crowd. The move to throw Matt Palfrey into the midfield helped change the game in the Tigers favour just before half time. The Tigers booted seven second half majors to record a comfortable 13.10 (88) to 5.10 (40) victory on their home turf. Tigers midfield bull Jayden Scott was awarded the Anzac Day medal for a match which best resembled the Anzac spirit. Captain Bodhi Stubber was rock solid across half-back while Ryan Davies and Dylan Schorer were also shining lights in the round one win. Joel Want and Palfrey each kicked three goals while first gamer Declan Willey and the returning Zak Hortin each snared two for the winners. The Kangas were best served by youngster Heath Ravenhill, Nick Barrow and Mitch Lenegan. In warm conditions the Kangas got the jump on the Tigers and had five individual goal kickers to lead by 13 points at quarter time before they were overrun. Former AFL player Brett Peake has starred in his GSFL debut, booting seven goals to help lift the Sharks to their third league win in history. The Sharks won only their second league game back in April 2019 and went through last year’s shortened season winless. However under second year coach Jamie Ramm the Sharks began 2021 in perfect fashion as they downed last seasons grand finalists Denmark-Walpole by 19 points at Centennial Stadium yesterday. Peake, who played 118 AFL games for Fremantle and St Kilda, was the Sharks prized signing in the off-season and the 37-year-old certainly delivered. Playing mainly as a deep forward, Peake kicked the first goal of the game and helped the home side take a 12-point lead into the first change. Goals to Coen Marwick and Tyler Stone put the Magpies in front early in the second term but Peake was feasting on the Sharks swift ball movement and he bagged two more majors to ensure they had wrestled back control by half time. Again the Magpies hit the front early in the third but Peake and key forward Jack Adams gave the Sharks two goals in a minute to restore order. Peake kicked three for the term to stretch the margin to 12 points at the last change and then majors to hard-working midfielders Ben Watson and Cameron Jones in the final quarter opened up a game-high 27-point advantage. Jones was outstanding with 17 disposals despite being yellow carded in the third term while Peake finished with 18 touches and kicked 7.3. Young pair Max Baker and Luke Mowaljarlai were also crucial in the 12.12 (84) to 9.11 (65) result along with Watson (two goals) and defender Ben Munro. The Magpies constantly turned the ball over and missed a number of simple opportunities in front of goal. In his first appearance in Magpie colours, big recruit and dual Kleemann medallist Zane Marwick collected 27 possessions but his influence was nullified after half time. Skipper Alec Haskins was outstanding for the Magpies along with Jayden Woods who was class when around the ball and kicked three while Tyler Stone also booted three majors. Forward Rivah Bocian helped Royals start their premiership defence off in commanding fashion after thrashing Mt Barker by 91 points at Sounness Park yesterday. The Lions booted nine goals in the second term to break the game open and deny the Bulls any chance of a comeback in the second half. Bocian finished the game with eight majors, including four in the third term, as the reigning premiers recorded an emphatic 23.8 (146) to 8.7 (55) victory. The Bulls kicked four last term goals but weren’t able to stick to with the slick Lions in the second and third term. Bocian was joined in the Lions best by Jayson Ford (two goals), new captain Brayden Parker and Corey Ward. The Bulls were best served by Sam Lehmann, Fraser Williss, Darcy Wallinger and Mitch Jackson.