GNFL Talking Points Round 2: Storylines from the weekend’s action

Rams and Dillon officially contenders

It’s a disservice to say the Rams were rank outsiders, but their win over the Hawks still seems like a shock as they are now officially a contender this year. Had Brigades kicked straight they would have easily lost but the wet weather allowed their grittiness to shine. Harry Taylor and Jack Cripps are a devastating duo but Flynn Dillon is the one to watch for the vote counters. Dillon finished just seven votes behind Chris Scott in the JJ Clune Medal count despite missing the last six rounds after breaking his leg and after the first two rounds looks like he will be there once again.

Was that goal of the year?

For Dane Swan it is something he’s done a thousand times but for those there, it was still special to see in person. He may be older and a bit slower, but he can still dish out the candy up forward. The way he swooped on the ball and danced around two opponents before snapping truly was pure theatre and reminiscent of Jordan De Goey’s in the 2018 Grand Final. It’s only round two but for the way the crowd ooh’d and exclaimed at every twist and turn few may be able to conjure that level of magic.

We need to be better

We couldn’t make it past round one without an off-field incident making it into the pages of this paper we need to simply be better. Spectators are just as responsible as the players for how they conduct themselves and as soon as you have a piece of club merch on you are representing the club whether at the ground or out on the street. So make sure you represent them the best way you can by cheering them on and enjoying the spectacle and not by taking the spotlight away from the footy.

Leading goal kickers

Men’s: Kristerfer Ryder 7, Harry Taylor 7, Lee Hutchins 5, Jack Perham 5, Trent Simpson 5, Damien King 5

Women’s: Ashleigh Jones 5, Gemma Dix 4, Breeanna Hamlett 4, Patriah Papertalk 3, Sabre Oswald 3, Brooke Edwards 3

Reserves Results

Railways 10.14 (73) def Towns 1.0 (6)

Brigades 12.8 (80) def Northampton 3.5 (23)

Chapman Valley 6.2 (38) def by Mullewa 7.1 (43)

Colts Results

Railways 5.4 (34) def by Towns 8.9 (57)

Brigades 2.6 (18) def by Northampton 7.9 (5)

Chapman Valley 2.3 (15) def by Mullewa 22.15 (147)