GNFL preliminary finals: Chapman Valley take on Brigades at the Rec for spot in big dance against Railways

It’s do-or-die for the Hawks and Royals on Saturday as the two clubs go to war for a spot in the 2025 Great Northern Football League grand final against Railways, while the other will wave goodbye to their season.

After losing the qualifying final last weekend against Railways in a furious affair, Chapman Valley now find themselves fighting to keep their season alive for the chance to go back-to-back.

The Royals got the jump on the Blues in the first term before Railways reeled it back in the second quarter with five goals and never looked back.

Chapman Valley now have a test ahead of them in Brigades, who are coming off a big win against Towns in the elimination final last week.

Hawks’ coach Corey Foot said the large dimensions of Towns’ home ground, WA Country Builders Stadium, allowed his side to play their natural game.

“We like to run, there’s no doubt about it, and that ground does suit our game style,” Foot said.

“The build-up to that game was good, too. Things started to really click on the training track.

“There was a bit of confidence heading into the game but I think it stemmed for what we were doing off the pitch at training.”

Brigades delivered a big loss to the Bulldogs, cruising to a 22-point win — but it didn’t come without some drama.

Brigades’ Lucas Ronan was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the last term, meaning he will miss the Hawks’ clash against the Royals at the Rec on Saturday.

Brigades, however, will welcome back Kaiden Dann — an ideal replacement for Ronan on Saturday.

Foot said the focus now shifted to the controllables, as they looked to continue their run in the finals.

”We’ve been focusing on what we can control,” Foot said.

“Obviously Lucas is not available this week, but we do receive Kaiden Dann, so sort of bit like-for-like.

“And we’ve got a pretty healthy group as well, so that’s the focus.”

Chapman Valley will be without Harrison Criddle after he was yellow-carded, reported for a dangerous hit and then, upon review by an independent tribunal, was handed a three-week suspension.

The suspension will test Chapman Valley’s depth, with coach Jayden Schofield indicating Mick Horstman will be the likely replacement.

“Mick Horstman will likely come in and then we’ll just have to throw some other magnets around,” Schofield said.

“Mick will most likely play forward, and then we’ll just put someone else down back.”

Amid the tribunal storm surrounding both Chapman Valley and Railways, Schofield said the focus was on this Saturday’s fixture against Brigades as the reigning premiers looked to book their grand final ticket.

“We can’t look any further than Saturday, we’ve got a big job ahead of us on Saturday,” Schofield said.

“It’s going to be a scrappy, wet, windy day.

“We know what’s in front of us, but destiny is in our hands, so it’s up to us to get the job done.”

Chapman Valley take on Brigades at the Rec on Saturday, September 6 from 2.40pm for a spot in the grand final against Railways.