Railways’ Matt Palfrey and Mt Barker’s Zach Jackson locked in battle for Advertiser Footballer of the Year

The Albany Advertiser Footballer of the Year voting will go in-house for the final three rounds of the Great Southern Football League season, with versatile Railways star Matt Palfrey sitting atop the leaderboard with 17 votes. A thrilling battle has developed after 12 rounds in the Advertiser’s top footy honour with Palfrey edging Mt Barker gun Zach Jackson by two votes. Palfrey has been a matchwinner for the Tigers this season, polling best-on-ground performances in numerous games. Jackson was ahead of the pack at the end of round 10 but a sparkling performance from Palfrey in round 11 against North Albany helped the 26-year-old take the lead. The 23-year-old Jackson has been a revelation for the Bulls, playing as both a forward and midfielder in an impressive debut GSFL season. Tigers’ Ryan Davies has come from sixth place at the end of round 10 to jump up to third spot while former AFL player and now Albany star Brett Peake is fourth. The 39-year-old failed to record a single vote in the first five rounds but recorded three consecutive three vote games in round six, seven and eight to climb the ladder. Royals’ Zak Mola and Sharks’ Fraser Eaton round out the top six, sitting on nine votes each. With a maximum of nine votes remaining, no player lower than eight votes is mathematically able to win. The Bulls face lowly Denmark-Walpole at Sounness Park in round 13 on Saturday, as they look to return to the winners’ list. Arch rivals the Tigers and Lions meet in the other Saturday fixture at Retravision Stadium. The Sharks face the Kangas at Collingwood Park on Sunday. ALBANY ADVERTISER FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR ROUND 12 17: Matt Palfrey (RAIL) 15: Zach Jackson (MB) 11: Ryan Davies (RAIL) 10: Brett Peake (ALB) 9: Zak Mola (ROY) Fraser Eaton (ALB) 8: Kane Pinney (ALB) David Parker (ROY) 7: Jayden Scott (RAIL) 6: Kane Shephard (RAIL) Joel Gray (MB) Josh Price (MB)