All GSFL league finals-bound sides had convincing wins over the weekend, except ironically ladder-leaders Albany who just wanted to get through their final home-and-away game unscathed.
The Sharks came up against a rampant Mount Barker at Retravision Stadium on Saturday with a few major players missing through flu and minor injury, with coach Jamie Ramm saying before the game he wasn’t going to read too much into what was a dead-rubber game.
But try and tell the Bulls that, as they were ferocious in the contest, and were offensively a constant threat throughout, kicking 10 goals in both halves.
It was a high-scoring game, with more than 200 points scored, with Mount Barker looking for any psychological edge going into finals, and also playing their elimination final at the same venue, Retravision Stadium, on Sunday.
The game finished 20.9 (129) to 13.8 (86).
Young gun Ben Kirkwood had arguably his best League game, smashing in five goals and using the footy like a seasoned champ, Sam Lehmann continued his goalscoring spree with another four majors (that’s 30 in the past seven games), and Darcy Wallinger was again a best player as he loves the camera on the GSFL’s Livestreamed Match of the Day – however a late injury soured his day and leaves him in doubt for this weekend.
GSFL leading goalscorer Brett Peake confirmed he would be the Sean Plaisted Memorial Trophy winner as he kicked four goals, Taj Williams was lively with three, as Isaac Baum returned to form with a couple of games under his belt after a three-week injury lay-off, and young Harvey Taylor look assured with a confident display.
At McLean Oval, Denmark-Walpole started brightly against Railways in their last game for 2023, kicking three goals in the opening term to finish that quarter only three points down.
But the Tigers put their foot down in the second stanza, kicking seven goals to nil, and then continuing that dominance for the rest of the game to run out winners 20.8 (128) to 5.7 (37).
In an even spread of goalkickers, it was captain Bodhi Stubber who led all scorers with four majors, Zak Hortin, Haydn Sproxton and Kane Shephard all chipping in with three, as Railways tuned up for finals.
The consistent Tyler Stone booted two for the Magpies, with Noah Madaffari, Reagen Hutchinson and Connor Lewis playing well.
The final game had Royals taking on North Albany at Collingwood Park with the Lions getting off to a blistering five goals to nil opening term.
Kangas kept even with Royals after that but unfortunately the five goals was the difference at the end, Lions winning 15.15 (105) to 10.8 (68).
Jayson ‘Cyril’ Ford was electric with five goals, Nick Ashford was again consistent up forward with another three majors as young stars Jordan Hum and Adrian Hardy were best for the victors.
Veteran Graham Ross kicked two to take his season tally to an impressive 37, Kobi Keen, who has had a dominant year and is set for a bright future, was again best, alongside Drew Willcocks.
This Saturday, Albany host Railways at Retravision Stadium in the Qualifying Final, and Royals are at home to Mount Barker in the Elimination Final on Sunday, also at Retravision Stadium.
Both games will be livestreamed.
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