Great Northern Football League: True believers warm to Royals’ winning start to season

In 27 completed seasons since the Valley’s most recent flag in 1992, they have made the finals just four times with no grand finals. So this year’s 3-0 start, including last week’s win over Brigades, is cheering for Royals’ true believers. “Great win, our best so far thanks to a huge team effort,” coach Paul “Billy” Drennan said. “We don’t need to improve as such, just maintain the rage, stay competitive and the rest will take care of itself.” Mitchell Thompson, Richard Bartlett, Levi Thorne and the Papertalk duo are among those doing well. “Thompson is 16 with a big future, Bartlett is 17 and an in-and-under on-baller who plays like a veteran, and should play State footy next year. “Thorne is rejuvenated and in career-best form in the back line and one of our leaders, while Len and Tyrone Papertalk are finding their way in league, but love a contest,” Drennan said. A key to further success is big forward Aaron Thomas, who took his goal tally to 102 last week. His highlight haul was nine goals in the 2016 first semifinal — all the Valley’s goals that day. “He’s a team man on and off the field and always worried about taking a young bloke’s spot when available. “A handful for the opposition and, for us, vital and irreplaceable,” Drennan said. Valley have two coming tests. Railways tomorrow, a team they have beaten only once in their past 36 meetings, and then Towns who, since 1993, have won 66 times straight. Drennan knows the latter stat well — he played for Towns in 1993. But for now, he can dream of the finals. “Who knows, but why not? “All I wanted at the start of the season was to be competitive, but keep going as we are and bring on the finals.” Last week, Towns’ 34 points was their lowest at Wonthella against Railways but on a brighter note, William Thorne reached 150 goals. Rovers extended their winning run against Mullewa to 12 with their fifth-highest tally and fifth-biggest win over the Saints, while for the Valley, Thomas went past 100 goals.