It was a weekend of thrillers in the GSFL Sixteens finals, showcasing how close the competition is as Railways progressed to the Grand Final, leaving Albany and Royals to battle it out to see who they play in the big dance.
On Saturday, Railways and Albany played a most interesting first half, the Tigers leaping out to a 5.2 to nil lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second term was the exact opposite, Albany fighting back to score 5.2 to nil and the teams going into the major break dead even.
From then on it was tight finals football, with Railways coming from behind in the final term to win 8.6 (54) to 8.4 (52).
Robert Farmer was dangerous up forward, finishing with three goals, as Bailin Curtis, Hunter Porteous and Brock Wilkinson played well for the victors.
Captain Max Grimes gave everything, being best-on-ground in a losing side despite booting five goals, well supported by Hudson Ramm, Joshua Sanders and Declan Reid.
On Sunday, Royals hosted Denmark-Walpole at Retravision Stadium, and were behind by 12 points at three-quarter time before unleashing in the final term to snatch victory 8.5 (53) to 7.5 (47).
Sixteens leading goalkicker Buddy Robinson was again on-fire in front of the big sticks, kicking four goals to be best for Royals, along with Ashton Henrickson, Proudlove Medallist Cooper Edwards and Naite Chambers.
For the Magpies, Luke Schober (two goals), Rory Dimmock and Jayden Ross played well.
This Saturday, Albany and Royals go head-to-head at their shared ground, Retravision Stadium, at 9.10am with the winner to play Railways next Saturday in the Grand Final at Sounness Park.
