Top two set after Tigers, Lions win close ones

The top two spots on the Great Southern Football League ladder are confirmed after Railways completed an impressive come-from-behind win this afternoon at Tigerland, to defeat reigning premiers North Albany by 13 points.

After Royals won yesterday to all but assure their place in the top two with four games to play, the Tigers had some difficultly overcoming the Kangas but emerged with the four points in the end.

The visitors led by as much as 26 points in the third term and when Braden Retallack kicked his third goal, a terrific set shot on the boundary after the three-quarter-time siren, the challenge was in front of the Tigers.

The fourth term response came with only one fit player on the bench, as they kicked the first five goals to snatch back the advantage.

Goals to Ryan Harper, youngster Harry Hordacre and then a third to Kane Shephard gave the Tigers the lead for the first time since the second term.

Kleemann Medal fancy Logan Stubber lifted considerably after half time and his two final quarter majors were pivotal as the Tigers prevailed 12.10 (82) to 10.9 (69).

Kenton Gibbs had a telling influence on the game, Craig Frost provided great rebound all day and Dylan Schorer was also busy throughout while Joel Want and Stubber were crucial when the game was on the line.

The result leaves the Tigers four games and percentage clear of the third placed Kangas but they lost Mitch Green, Coen Jackman and Jayden Scott to injury.

The Kangas were best served by returning midfielder Matt Orzel and young star Alex Pearce (two goals) while defender Regan Lloyd continues his sparkling form and Retallack was livley in the forward half.

A serious knee injury to Jake Becroft soured the day for the Kangas.

Denmark-Walpole kept their finals hopes alive after a hard fought 44-point win over Albany this afternoon at Centennial Stadium.

The visitors kicked the only two goals of the first term and despite a more even second term they led by 21 points at the main change.

A dominant third term set up the win as the Magpies piled on eight goals, as key forward Shayne Zanetti helped himself to three in the term.

The last term belonged to the Sharks, as they won the term kicking four goals to two but it was too late as the Magpies won comfortably, 15.9 (99) to 8.7 (55).

Zanetti finished with five majors while Jayden Pickett, Dave MacDonald and Ryan Gaerth were also solid in the win.

Jack Banks, Brock Tiede and Robbie Lee were good contributors for the home side.

Luke Hutcheson, Harrison Lill and Tyler Stone all failed to finish the game due to injuries for the Magpies.

Meanwhile yesterday the Lions shook off a gallant Mt Barker in the final term to march to their eighth straight win.

The Bulls were in front at quarter time after a goal frenzy in the first term but the Lions regained control with the only two majors of the second.

The two sides kicked three goals apiece in the third as the Lions took a six-point buffer into the final change.

Michael McGlade put the home side 14 points up and then Corey Ward sealed the 23-point triumph as the Lions celebrated their 75th anniversary in style.

Trent Nesbitt booted four goals in a strong display, Brody Ogle and Tyrese Pickett-Miller won plenty of the ball and Poch Amores also stood out in the 10.15 (75) to 8.4 (52) win.

Lions’ Steven Edwards went down with an ankle injury, not long after Bulls’ John Lee came from the field with a nasty ankle dislocation.

Veteran Sam Lehmann was superb in a losing affair while young pair Brent Parsons and Nitan Benavides were also among the Bulls best and Jesse Wynne was busy throughout.