GNFL round 17: Top four sides locked and loaded after exciting last round ahead of finals

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GNFL round 17: Top four sides locked and loaded after exciting last round ahead of finals

The home and away season has come and gone in the Great Northern Football League and the finals are set following the last round on Saturday.

Both Brigades and Towns were playing for the final spot in the four on the weekend and the Hawks took a hold of it with both hands with their win.

The side took no risks during their 24.15 (159) to 3.2 (20) drubbing over the Rovers – solidifying their spot in the elimination clash with the win.

An eight-goal opening quarter saw the game get quickly out of hand at GBSC Sports Park, as the Hawks put up their highest score for the season with Fletcher Klazstorny putting through nine majors.

Although the result for Brigades didn’t end up mattering after Towns went down against Chapman Valley in the tight 6.8 (44) to 5.5 (35) match.

The Royals kicked the only goal in the first term in the low scoring bout – as Valley lead 3.4 (22) to 0.3 (3) at half time.

Towns got back to within three points in the third quarter setting up a tense final *******, but the class prevailed for Chapman Valley as they got over the line and claimed the minor premiership with the win.

It ends the Bulldogs season after their massive turnaround from last year – going from bottom of the ladder with one win to putting up a 7-7 record and contending for finals.

Over at the Recreation Ground, it was a fourth quarter difference during the rematch of the 2023 decider with Northampton edging out Railways.

AFL first classers Josh Kennedy and Harry Taylor were both out on the field together for the first time since round 10 and combined for three goals in the 8.13 (61) to 6.8 (44) win.

Camera IconJosh Kennedy, Drew Tunbridge and Harry Taylor. Credit: Snapaction Photography/Snapaction Photography

It was a low scoring slog as both teams struggled with accuracy on goal, Railways held the half time lead up 2.6 (18) to 1.7 (13).

The fourth quarter proved to be the winning term for the Rams, as they managed to break through the Blues defensive structure that kept them in the game for the greater portion match.

Kicks started to go straight for the Rams, booting four goals to the Railways two in the last – pulling away when it mattered for a 17-point win.

Chayse Clarke, Flynn Dillion and Kingsley Smith were among the best on ground for the Rams in the win, while Albert Dean booted two goals in the win.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconFlynn Dillon taking a mark over the pack. Credit: Snapaction Photography/Snapaction Photography

Despite the loss, the Blues still finish the season third on the ladder while Northampton ended at second – unable to close the gap on the Royals at the top.

After a long season the sprint to the finish line begins across the competition with finals starting next week.

The country sides Chapman Valley and Northampton will battle for a spot in the grand final in the qualifier, while Railways and Brigades put it all on the line in an elimination bout next week.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconJosh Kennedy with the high mark for Northampton. Credit: Snapaction Photography/Snapaction Photography

In the colts, Jack Watters put on a masterclass for Brigades kicking a bag of 15 goals in the 25.4 (154) to 2.4 (16) win over Rovers. While Towns got up in a tight 8.4 (52) to 6.9 (45) clash against Valley.

Hawks got up in the reserves to seal the minor premiership, taking down Rovers 9.15 (69) to 1.1 (7).

A 5.5 (35) to 5.5 (35) draw between Railways and Northampton coupled with Towns getting up 5.3 (33) to 2.1 (13) over Valley saw the Bulldogs kick the Blues out of the four in the final week.

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