Brigades through to grand final after remaining undefeated in GNFLW as Chapman Valley finish Railways’ season

The first week of finals is in the books for the Great Northern Football League Women’s competition. The top side Brigades continued to dominate after remaining undefeated with their win against Northampton, sending them to the grand final. In the elimination match, after just making it into finals off percentage, Chapman Valley got the win and ended Railways’ season. The qualifying match was off to a slow start but Brigades came away from the first quarter with the game’s only scores, to be up by seven. It was the Hawks’ defence that helped them dominate the game, as they only allowed the Rams to score eight points in the first half and just one point in the second. Brigades walked away with the 4.9 (33) to 1.3 (9) win against Northampton, securing a spot in the grand final. Gabrielle McLaren had two goals in the win, while Gemma Dix and Patriah Papertalk each had one goal and the Rams lone goal came from Katie Croston. In the eliminator, Railways were slow to get going and Chapman Valley capitalised, outscoring the Blues 3.8 (26) to 0.4 (4) in the first half. Coming out at the half, Railways scored 1.3 straight to cut the Royals’ lead to 13 points. However, the Blues failed to hit the score board again while the Royals piled on the score, with Chapman Valley getting a wide open goal to end the third quarter. In the fourth it was all Royals footy, with the ball coming straight out the centre into their attacking half and they managed to capitalise. With the game looking bleak for Railways, a late goal from Chapman Valley captain Taylah Broadhurst sealed the game and gave the Royals a convincing 8.9 (57) to 1.7 (13) win against the Blues. Northampton and Chapman Valley will face off in this weekend’s preliminary final to decide which team will take on Brigades in the grand final. Across the league, the Mullewa colts capped off a stellar season, booking a grand final berth after taking down Northampton colts 10.3 (63) to 3.5 (23). The Rams will face off against Brigades colts, who beat Railways 4.6 (30) to 3.6 (24). In the reserves, Railways took down Brigades to win a grand final spot in a 6.7 (43) to 5.5 (35) win. The Royals’ season is done after a three-point loss to Mullewa in the 5.8 (38) to 5.5 (35) clash. Mullewa and Brigades will meet in this week’s preliminary final.