Royals defeat Albany in Retravision Stadium derby to secure finals double chance in GSFLW competition

Royals locked away a top-two spot and a finals double chance after recording a 25-point win over Albany at home in round nine of the Great Southern Football League Women’s competition on Friday night. The Lions are four points and significant percentage clear of third placed Denmark-Walpole with one round left in the regular season. Two goals in the first term helped set up their win over Albany at Retravision Stadium, as they improved their win-loss record to 7-2. Key forward Gracie Gibson was terrific for the winners, kicking three of their four goals. Lowanna Singleton was the other goal kicker for the Lions who won 4.4 (28) to 0.3 (3). The Lions were best served by Kathryn Jennings and Nardia Humphries while Taylah Burt was also impressive. The Sharks had their opportunities in the second half but failed to register a major and the loss ended their finals hopes. Samantha Waltho, Marlee Ashton, Felicity Puls and Amy Walker were named in the best players for the Sharks. Railways stitched up top spot and the minor premiership after a hard-fought win over the Magpies at Tigerland. Ksharna Coyne and Kathryn Slattery were again highly influential as the Tigers led by 14 points at quarter-time and had extended that margin to 23 by the last change. The Magpies kicked their only goal in the fourth term but two more from the home side ensured the 29-point result. Kanisha Bennell took her season goal tally to 12 after bagging three in the win while Laura Cinanni (one goal) was also vital and Abby Duncan won plenty of the ball. For the visitors, Ebony Thompson was their goal kicker and they were well served by Amber Nekel, Megan Ross, Liza Alkins and Erika Tharratt. The final game of round nine was a thriller as North Albany came from behind to guarantee their place in the top four. Mt Barker were on fire early at Retravision Stadium and Mikayla Balloch had three goals on the board by quarter-time to give her side an 11-point lead. The Kangas hit back in the second with two unanswered goals to pinch the lead and they went into three-quarter-time still ahead after both sides kicked one major each in the third. In a pulsating final term the Bulls got within a point but the Kangas sealed the seven-point win with a late major. Lilly Briscoe was outstanding for the Kangas and young ball winner Lily Minter was also a big reason for her side getting up. Alicia Van Schayk and Christina Gill were also solid as the Kangas won 5.8 (38) to 5.1 (31). Georgia Kowald and Balloch led the way for the Bulls while Kaitlin Eades and Saige Askevold were among their better contributors.