GSFL 2023: Railways snap three-match losing streak thumping Magpies by 91 points in final round of season

Railways overcame a slow start against wooden-spooners Denmark-Walpole to break a three-match losing streak and power to a 91-point victory at McLean Park on Saturday. A makeshift Magpies outfit were impressive early but a seven goal to nil second quarter onslaught from the reigning premiers set up the 20.8 (128) to 5.7 (37) win in the final round of the Great Southern Football League season. The Tigers entered quarter-time with a three-point advantage and coach Mark Bayliss said he knew if his side stuck to the game plan they would break the match open. “As the game progresses we knew we would be good enough to run over the top. “Our second quarter was really good in particular and after that we controlled the game.” Tigers skipper Bodhi Stubber, who found a new role at full-forward, led from the front kicking a game-high four goals, which all came in the first half. “I thought he was our best today in the forward line and Haydn Sproxton (three goals) was also great for us,” Bayliss said. “We are all about the team and we try and share the ball a fair bit. “We set up to try and run the ball at high speed through handball link-up chains.” Second quarter goals to Joel Want, late inclusion Angus Spencer and Jack Steel, among others, ensured the Tigers entered the main break with a 45-point advantage. Tigers defenders Leighton Smith and Ryan Davies were prolific off half-back and provided constant headaches for the home side. The visitors’ electrifying ball movement from defence to offence was the catalyst to their dominance. The Magpies were dealt a blow before the start of the second half, with Barry Roberts receiving a yellow card for allegedly headbutting a Tigers player off the ball. The Tigers continued their ascendancy in the third, adding six more goals to extend their lead to 72 points heading into the final term. Despite walking into finals on the back of a 91-point thrashing, Bayliss said his side would not gain much confidence. “We can’t take a lot out of a 15-goal win, but it is important to hone our skills and ball use,” he said. “We lost our last three coming into this game but we have’t played bad football. “We have just been beaten in certain patches.” In the final match of the home-and-away season, the Magpies fielded six uncapped players and coach Brad Nisbett commended his side for showing plenty of fight early. Despite finishing bottom of the ladder and without a win, Nisbett said he is proud of his side’s effort all season. “We had a few guys who played their first game of the year today, so while we were good early we lacked fitness to run out the game,” Nisbett said. “We have a core group of about 12 players and it is tough to come every week when we are consistently losing by big margins. “We’re just trying to maintain that enjoyment factor.” Magpies ball-winners Noah Madaffari and Reagan Hutchinson toiled through the middle all day while Tyler Stone kicked two goals.