Chapman Valley back into the top four as Brigades reach seventh heaven

In a key clash for the two teams’ finals hopes, Chapman Valley were given a big boost, while Railways are searching for answers after a third straight defeat.

The Royals took Saturday’s Big Freeze clash 7.12 (54) to 2.3 (15).

The Royals have been a dominant force since the creation of the Great Northern Women’s Football League and were sitting outside of the top four after three straight losses including two by two points or less in their toughest season yet.

The Blues were coming off two straight losses, including being blown off the park by a rampant Northampton and Selina Kiddle last week to sit inside the top four, but with a percentage well below their fellow contenders.

They welcomed back Jasmine Johansen from WAFLW duties but the Royals welcomed 2019 premiership Crow Renee Forth into the side for her GNWFL debut.

Forth did not disappoint with two goals as the Royals kept the Blues to a single behind across the first half.

Taylah Broadhurst and Samantha Williamson were dominant around the contest, while deputy vice-captain Cassandra Green found the goals for the first time this season.

The Blues barely got a look-in, with only inaccuracy keeping the door slightly ajar with Chapman Valley leading 3.6 (24) to 0.1 (1) at half-time.

But the match was never going to hold any surprises as, despite the efforts of Geneva and Jasmine Johansen and goals to Rain Jeffery and Maddison Kelly, the Blues were well off the pace.

Jess Patterson kicked two goals for the Royals as they moved back into the top four for the first time since round four.

At Brigades, the Hawks kept their perfect season intact in a dominant performance against the Rovers 12.12 (84) to 1.0 (6).

The last time these sides met, Brigades recorded one of their biggest-ever wins, by 93 points, to kickstart their season and it was a mismatch once again as Gemma Dix led the way with four goals and a best-on-ground effort.

The Hawks are in another league than the Rovers even without captain Jessica Guidice-Nairn, with Emilee Bevan taking the reins as Breeanna Hamlett impressed again with three goals, and Neveah Hill and Jorja Bevan were among the votes.

Abby Green scored Rovers’ only goal in the first quarter, and Davina Whitney impressed, but it was always going to be one-way traffic.

At Mullewa, Towns overcame a wayward start to make it three straight wins with a 6.8 (44) to 3.0 (18) win over the Saints.

It was a frustrating start to the game for the Bulldogs, who dominated the opening quarter but led by only one point with seven straight behinds to Mullewa’s one goal.

But once they got their sights locked in, Towns quickly pulled away, led by Olivia Bidwell with three goals to lead by 26 points at half-time.

To Mullewa’s credit, they showed plenty of grit to draw the third quarter at one goal apiece but Ava Gould and Kasey Maynard shepherded the Bulldogs home, and a win over the Blues next week could effectively seal their finals spot.