GSFL 2024: Last minute behind hands Royals one-point win over Mt Barker in tense NAIDOC Round fixture

Royals are just finding ways to win according to coach Darrell Panizza after his side’s thrilling one-point victory in a fiery NAIDOC Round spectacular on Saturday. A behind from the boot of Chandler Askevold-McDonald in the final minute won the game for Royals against Mt Barker at Retravision Stadium. Despite leading since early in the first quarter, an ill-disciplined Bulls were made to rue numerous cards shown to their players in the bone-crunching encounter. In a stoppage-heavy match fraught with controversy, Askevold-McDonald was the beneficiary of a contentious holding-the-ball call in the final minute that would ultimately hand the Lions the victory. Bulls’ Darcy Wallinger potentially secured the win in the final quarter when a Lions official on the bench failed to return the ball after an out-on-the-full free kick that resulted in a 50m penalty, advancing Wallinger within 25m to extend their lead by eight points. But minutes later, Lions star big man Stephen Beal flexed his muscles at an inside-50 stoppage grabbing the ball out of the ruck and spectacularly snapping over his shoulder in one motion to even the ledger in the final few minutes. The Lions’ record is 3-0 in games decided by seven points or less and Panizza said it’s a credit to his side’s hunger and ability to grind out results. “We didn’t win with any valour other than we won the game, we found a way to win,” he said. “I think it comes down to what we want out of our players and how you build your culture and team spirits. “We talk about these things and we talk about how we want to work hard for each other and it solidifies the fact the group cares about each other and that’s how we won the game. “We’ve been very workman-like, and we (were able to) withstand what they were at their best and still find a way to win.” Despite going down by the barest of margins, Bulls’ Tyreice Brown (two goals) was the deserved best-on-ground after an incredible performance with superb foot skills and piercing runs throughout the afternoon. Brayden Parker was huge across half-back and booted a sensational running goal in the last while Beal imposed himself at the source in Bulls’ ruck duo’s absence in the third term. Rhys Hogg and Daniel Patching starred in the Bulls’ midfield while Clayton Wood and Seb Ballard were instrumental in defence for the visitors. Both sides found themselves on the receiving end of some match-defining decisions, but the Bulls had three players sent off in the 7.8 (50) to 7.9 (51) loss. Bulls midfielder Brent Parsons was dealt two yellow cards for umpire dissent within 30 seconds in the third term, ending his game early, before Mitch Jackson was shown a yellow minutes later for the same reason. An unruly Brandon Ugle gave away numerous free kicks off the ball and was shown yellow for rough conduct in the second quarter. Parsons’ effective red card was reduced to a yellow after the match following an umpires review. “We were very disciplined,” Panizza said “I thought Brayden Parker had a really good game and led and that’s the best captain’s game I’ve seen him play for himself. “The midfield were out on their feet and our strength and conditioning coach should take a bow.” Blustery conditions made moving the ball on the wide-open spaces of Retravision Stadium difficult and after conceding the opener of the match, the Bulls made full use of their wind advantage with four straight majors to the first change. When the Lions were backed by the howling westerly in the second, they only managed two goals when James Watters snapped inside the goal square before David Parker set sail from beyond the arc, cutting the half time deficit to nine points. As tempers flared in the third, the Bulls were received their three yellow cards and with captain and ruckman David Stone unable to return to the field after half-time, their lack of rotations began to wear them down. Lions’ Brandon Elliot and Mitch Paine combined for two crucial goals into the breeze, matching Bulls’ two majors from Brown and Ashley Wallam (two goals) at the other end. Bulls coach Brad Hook said he was proud of how his side ran out the game. “I am really proud of all of the blokes that played but credit to Royals on the win,” Hook said. “I thought Tyreice was outstanding and was clearly best on ground.” The home side’s win was soured by the injuries to Jaiden Alison (hand) and young gun Teague Valli (shoulder) who did not return to the field after quarter time.