GSFL 2024: A Robert Farmer-inspired Railways clinch 16s grand final victory by holding out Denmark-Walpole

Robert Farmer led an inspired Railways to a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the Great Southern Football League 16s grand final. Trailing by four points at the last break, the Tigers were buoyed by the strong wind in the final quarter and made it count kicking four straight to notch an impressive 8.3 (51) to 5.1 (31) GSFL decider. Farmer finished with five majors on the day and claimed the Bob Whalley Medal for his best-on-ground performance. Tigers coach Chris Tschabotar said his side used last year’s heartache as inspiration in their premiership push. “We were looking forward to turning around last year’s result, so I think that was a bit of extra motivation for them this year,” he said. “I’m just grateful for the club and just to come back into club environment and be welcomed and just have a group of kids like that who were willing to learn makes it totally rewarding. “It just makes you want to go to training because of their will to learn and how respectful they are.” The Magpies kicked the first two majors of the game through Nathaniel Wilkes and Jake Schwarzbach but the Tigers took an eight-point lead into half time after booting three straight in the second. The Tigers pushed the deficit to 13 points early in the third but the Magpies were determined to keep themselves in the game, as a conversion from Blake Brunings, a wonderful long range goal from Lochlan Otway and then Schwarzbach’s second had the flag up for grabs at the last change. Tschabotar said he always believed his side could get the job done, especially with the potency of the freakish Farmer inside forward-50. “We knew they weren’t going to be a pushover because of the games we’ve had with them this year,” he said. “We weren’t in any rush because, we had 18 minutes with the wind and we knew if we stuck to our plans and were patient it would we would be OK. “Robbie was best. . . and it’s always good to have him in your team, he’s a bit of a trump card. “Putting him one out we knew no one could stop him, he’s just extra motivated, works hard and is an exceptional talent.” Intercept defender Tyler Wallrodt was brilliant across half-back while Mason Watkins ran tirelessly up and down the wing and Beau Veldman was influential. The Magpies were best served by Otway, Schwarzbach (two goals), Jed Loton, Yuma Jones and Ryan Hick.