GSFL 2024: Tigers secure tense elimination final colts win, Sharks upset Magpies in reserves and Lions win 16s

Railways kept their season alive and ended Denmark-Walpole’s in a thrilling Great Southern Football League colts elimination final at Tigerland on Sunday, which came down to the final five seconds. A last-gasp effort from the Magpies in the final seconds was on its way to lifting them to a miraculous win before a lunging spoil from Tiger Brock Herbert on the goal line resulted in a minor score and handed the Tigers a four-point win. The match was played largely between the arcs and mainly on the scoreboard side of the ground, with heavy crosswinds making life tough for both sides to transition the ball. However, the Magpies led the entire match and the hosts looked set to rue numerous squandered chances in front of goal before spearhead Brock Lathbury stepped up in the last quarter with his second major to give his side a slender lead. The 4.11 (35) to 4.7 (31) win means they will take on minor premiers the Sharks in the preliminary final. Magpies ball-winner Marlon Mastalerz booted a ripping goal from a difficult angle on the stroke of half-time and was clearly best afield in the losing affair, while Tigers’ Hugh Beaton was enormous in the nail-biting last quarter. Mercurial forward Sam Marshall was dominant in the first half and finished with three majors for the Magpies. Later in the day Albany held off a fast-finishing Denmark-Walpole to win the reserves elimination final battle by five points. The Sharks conceded just one goal through the opening two terms but were held scoreless in the last as the Magpies ignited a last-quarter fightback. However, the Magpies were made to rue crucial missed chances in the last, finishing the term with two goals from their seven attempts as Sharks secured the 4.6 (30) to 3.7 (25) win. Mitch Collier, who has played match-winning roles in the Sharks’ league side, booted a game-high three goals, while Jacob Stuart and Dwayne Coyne were instrumental for the Sharks, who will do battle with the Lions next week. Earlier, a Reagan Gough-inspired Royals progressed to the 16s preliminary final with a commanding 25-point triumph over rivals Albany. Gough booted four of the Lions’ six goals in trying conditions to lead his side to the 6.8 (44) to 3.1 (19) victory. The Lions will now face off against the Magpies next week for a spot in the decider.