Tigers on top of GFLW rivals Kalgoorlie but win marred by serious injury

Boulder moved within half-a-game of first place in the Goldfields Football League’s women’s standings when a three-goal opening term last Saturday against Kalgoorlie paved the way for a 30-point win, 5.1 (31) to 0.1 (1), against the two-time defending premiers.

The Tigers’ fourth win of the season, after just seven rounds, equals the squad’s entire 2023 success.

They led by 17 points at half-time and iced the result at Digger Daws Oval with a two-goal third quarter.

But it came at a cost, with Tayla Walker facing an extended period on the sidelines following a serious injury.

“We’re thrilled that things are coming along nicely for us,” second-year Boulder coach Terrence Winner said.

“One hundred per cent we’re chasing that (a top-two spot), and we just need a bit of luck, as far as getting all of our girls out on the field at the same time.

“But we should be able to do that and having some early injuries and illness has given opportunities for other players who we’re now seeing develop particularly well.

“It’s really allowed for some of them to step-up and try new roles — especially among the newer girls.

“It’s developing their skills quicker, which later in the season will be beneficial and just puts that healthy (selection) pressure on everyone.”

Walker spent time in the hospital this week.

She has since been discharged, but Winner confirmed on Thursday she “wouldn’t be playing footy any time soon”.

Boulder, under Danny Hayes, won the inaugural GFLW premiership in 2021 but were hard hit by player shortages in each of the next two seasons.

It is a vastly different story this year, with Railways, Mines Rovers and Boulder locked on four wins.

However, Railways and Mines Rovers each have a draw on their record in holding down the top-two places.

Similarly, Railways are unbeaten and have a game in hand over the Diorites, whose record includes a loss to Boulder in round one.

In round eight this Saturday, Mines Rovers host Kalgoorlie at Digger Daws Oval at 9am and Railways oppose Kambalda from 11am at Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre.

Ladder:

Railways 18 points, Mines Rovers 18, Boulder 16, Kalgoorlie 4, Kambalda 0.