GSFL 2024: Royals knock off minor premiers Albany in wet & wild colts qualifying final at Retravision Stadium

Royals advanced directly to the Great Southern Football League colts grand final after defeating minor premiers Albany by eight points in the qualifying final at Retravision Stadium. A pair of rare goals into the teeth of a strong breeze in the third quarter proved crucial for the Lions on Saturday as they took the winning advantage of eight points into the last change. Competing against the determined Sharks and a gusty wind, the Lions were resolute in defence in a scoreless final stanza to book a grand final berth. In a game where goals were hard to come by, the Lions made the most of their opportunities, booting six goals from their seven attempts in the 6.1 (37) to 4.5 (29) win as Buddy Robinson finished with three majors for the winners. Mitchell Paine starred for the Lions, while Oliver Pass (two goals) was also a key contributor to the victory. Oliver O’Dea, William Leverington and Declan Reid all fought hard for the Sharks, who will play Railways in the preliminary final this Saturday. A resolute Railways reserves knocked off Royals on their home turf to waltz into the grand final after clinching a 16-point victory. The Tigers were staunch in defence and did not concede a goal through the opening three terms but were not able to punish the Lions for their front-half dominance. The Lions kicked two crucial goals in the last, sparking a late comeback before Trent Herbert fortuitously wobbled one through to clinch the 5.6 (36) to 2.8 (20) win. Railways were the first team through to the 16s grand final, prevailing over Denmark-Walpole in wet and windy conditions on Saturday morning. The Magpies got the early jump with two goals in the first term but the Tigers fought back to lead by four points at the main break. The margin was only 10 points in favour of the Tigers at three-quarter-time but two majors in the last sealed the 24-point triumph as they progressed directly to the decider. The 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) result was the Tiger’s 10th win on the trot, having finished on top of the ladder, and with their last loss back in round six. Beau Veldman kicked three goals as the Tigers held the Magpies goalless in the last half.