GSFL Round 3: Tigers win grand final replay, Jackson boots 12 in Magpies mauling and Sharks survive late scare

Albany have survived a final-term fightback from North Albany to record a thrilling eight-point win in round three of the Great Southern Football League season on Sunday. The Sharks held the Kangas goalless in the third quarter and majors to Brett Peake and Matt Galantino opened up a significant 26-point margin at the final change at Collingwood Park. However, the home side stormed back into the match and booted six goals to three in the final stanza to give the Sharks a few nervous moments late in the game. The Kangas kicked three of the final four goals of the game but a steadying major from Zac Pearson ensured the Sharks got home, 10.19 (79) to 10.11 (71). Youngster Drew Willcocks kicked a goal on the final siren but the Kangas fell just short of an upset win. Two behinds to Jyrin Woods in the fourth were opportunities that went begging. The Sharks were in control for most of the opening half as they led by 12 points at the long break despite kicking 5.11. A shoulder injury to star teenager Lucas Ravenhill in the opening term was a big blow for the home side but veteran Graham Ross booted five goals in a lively display up front, while Taj Williams added two as their side went close to winning a second game of the year. Galantino was a shining light in attack for the winners, finishing with four goals, while midfielders Isaac Baum and Cameron Jones were outstanding. Fraser Eaton had plenty of impact on a wing while young speedster Max Baker also gave the Sharks plenty of drive. For the Kangas, Nick Barrow was terrific in a shutdown defensive role, captain Regan Lloyd was solid and Nathan Crudeli and Woods won plenty of the ball in the middle of the ground. Railways handed Royals their first loss of the 2022 season as the Tigers overcame a slow start to win the grand final replay by 32 points at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. A terrific second half was set up after the two sides traded blows in the first two quarters, the Lions getting the early jump before the Tigers surged to the front with a four-goal second term. However, just like he did in last year’s decider, Tigers star Matt Palfrey was again superb as he booted six majors to lead the Tigers to their second win of the season. Palfrey kicked three goals in a dominant second term as the Tigers went into half-time ahead by a single point. He added two more in the third as the visitors skipped out to a 21-point advantage and they went on to record an impressive win, 14.10 (94) to 9.8 (62). Playing both in the midfield and as a key forward, Palfrey was clearly the most influential player on the ground as the Tigers kicked eight goals to three and ran rampant in the second half against their arch-rivals. Kane Shephard was prolific around the stoppages and kicked three goals, while youngster Mohit Jaggi was also terrific for the winners. The Tigers also had strong contributions from Fraser Grant (two goals), Joel Want and the returning Jayden Scott. The Lions started strongly on their home deck with five goals in the opening term, including two from the boot of forward Coel Hunter, but they were beaten around the stoppages in the second half. Cameron Allison racked up plenty of possessions, while Zak Mola was a strong contributor across the four quarters for the home side. Stephen Beal had some moments in his return. Jayson Ford’s first half was electric but he faded out of the game. Hamish McMorran spent large periods of the game in attack and kicked two goals and Hayden Johnson was yellow carded for misconduct in the third term. At Sounness Park on Saturday, a brilliant 12-goal haul from Zach Jackson helped Mt Barker maul Denmark-Walpole by 190 points. The Bulls dominated the struggling Magpies from the outset, piling on 10 goals in the opening term and finished with 10 majors in the fourth on their way to a thumping victory. Jackson playing as a deep forward booted five of his 12 goals in the fourth as the Bulls jumped to the top of the ladder with a percentage boosting win, 36.8 (224) to 5.4 (34). The margin was 96 points at half-time and it only got worse for the visitors from there. To go with Jackson’s season-high bag, former AFL player Nathan Krakouer booted four majors while veteran Sam Lehmann also bagged four in the Bulls’ second win of the season. Josh Price was terrific for the winners, along with Bryce Blaszkow and Lee Pavlovich, while Jackson was best-afield. In a lowly day for the Magpies where they were missing player-coach Brad Nisbett, they were best served by Jaden Guidi, Ryan Gaerth and Tyler Stone (two goals).