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GNFL Talking Points: What to take out of Round 8 action

Headshot of Jake Santa Maria
Jake Santa MariaGeraldton Guardian
Chapman Valley’s finals hopes took a beating after a 109-point loss
Camera IconChapman Valley’s finals hopes took a beating after a 109-point loss Credit: Jake Santa Maria

Top four look set

Brigades and Northampton have been finals-bound since before the bye and with Towns and Mullewa struggling, it was down to Chapman Valley, Railways and Rovers to fight it out over the remaining finals spots. But Railways’ 109-point drubbing suggests the top four will be the same as last year as the Royals were never in the contest against a side that had suffered back-to-back maulings at their home ground. Railways and Rovers will play the next round with the winner likely locking in their place while Royals should get two more wins against the Saints and Towns. But it’s hard to see where they can find at least another two in their last five games with finals looking out of their reach at this stage.

Depth tests coming up

As temperatures continue to plummet many are taking the opportunity to head off to warmer climates with several stars to be away in the coming weeks. The likes of Farren Parfitt, Dylan Ralph and Dion Anthony have already jetted off, with players like Flynn Dillon and Chris Scott also set to get their passports ready. Some will only miss country week while others will miss GNFL rounds and along with winter usually bringing cold and flu around, clubs may find their depths tested over the next month of footy.

Clubs doing their part

It was a small gesture but two club presidents walking over together to have a quiet word with spectators about not being allowed to drink outside of the licensed areas was a step in the right direction. There was not any bad behaviour nor was there the suggestion there would be but beyond the obvious legal liquor licencing reasons it showed a willingness by both clubs to acknowledge the problem and act with the maturity we all should have around alcohol and behaviour when at the footy.

Reserves Results

Brigades 11.12 (78) Rovers 6.3 (39)

Mullewa 12.17 (89) Towns 3.0 (18)

Railways 7.8 (50) Chapman Valley 3.3 (21)

Colts Results

Brigades 22.6 (138) Rovers 3.2 (20)

Mullewa 13.9 (87) Towns 2.6 (18)

Railways 21.16 (142) Chapman Valley 0.1 (1)

Leading Goal Kickers

Men’s

Harry Taylor 20, Kristerfer Ryder 18, Dion Anthony 15, Trent Simpson 14, Jamie Ryder 14

Women’s

Selina Kiddle 19, Gemma Dix 15, Ashleigh Jones 13, Breanna Hamlett 9, Jess Patterson 6, Olivia Bidwell 6

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