Dominant third term guides Railways into Great Southern Football League grand final after eclipsing Sharks

Railways advanced to a third Great Southern Football League grand final in four years after eclipsing the Albany Sharks by 54 points in the preliminary final at Tigerland today. The Tigers set up a grand final showdown with arch rivals Royals next Sunday in their quest to win their first premiership since 2013. Five third quarter goals were vital in the Tigers 16.10 (106) to 7.10 (52) victory on their home deck. Despite the scoreboard not reflecting the Sharks effort, their career-best season came to end. The Tigers led by 24 points at the main break and quickly extended that lead to 47 heading into the final quarter after booting five goals to one in the third. Ex-AFL player Brett Peake snapped the first goal of the third stanza to reduce the margin to 18 points early on however the Tigers hit back with the next five majors. Coen Jackman ran into an open goal to boot his third before Matt Van Schayk converted after a turnover in his forward 50m arc to push the margin to 30 points. Returning key forward Zak Hortin kicked a long range set shot and then Kane Shephard also converted to have the home side in total control. The Sharks slim hopes were all but ended after the three quarter time siren as Van Schayk added a fourth goal to give the Tigers a decisive advantage. Matt Galantino kicked the first two goals of the final term to reduce the margin to 35 but it was all the Tigers from there. Star forward Matt Palfrey responded with the next two for the Tigers and a fifth goal to Van Schayk ensured the Tigers progressed into the decider. Van Schayk was important across half forward finishing with five goals and he was well supported by young forward Jackman (three goals). Ruckman Xavier Brenton-Reed was impressive for the winners along with Palfrey (two goals), Ryan Davies and Kane Shephard. Midfield stars Morgan Davies and Cameron Jones were the Sharks best while Max Baker was a solid contributor and defender Kieran Zilm battled hard all day. Van Schayk kicked the first goal of the game before Jake Louthean (two goals) hit back for the Sharks. Jayden Scott burst through to slot another for the Tigers but Peake kicked his first to put the Sharks in front. A late goal to Ryan Davies ensured the Tigers led by seven points at the first change. The Tigers booted the first two goals of the second to push the margin to 20 but the Sharks kept fighting as majors to Robbie Lee and Louthean got their side back within eight points. However the home side kicked the final three of term, including two from Jackman who was becoming a real threat in the attacking half, in what was an important moment in the outcome of the match. The win did come at a cost though with Darcy Lambert suffering a serious ankle injury in the first term while a sore Scott played virtually no part in the game after half time.