GNFL: Blues give saints hiding, Harry bags 10 as Rams smash Dogs in round nine

Great Northern Football League leaders Railways recorded a 124-point win against Mullewa on Sunday, despite fielding a younger side with nine senior players out injured or unavailable.

Railways took a staggering lead across all four quarters on Mullewa’s home turf, walking away with the 22.10 (142) to 2.6 (18) victory.

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Railways senior coach Karl Pirrottina said the younger players did well keeping pressure on the Mullewa Saints.

“When Mullewa have got the footy they’re great, skilful and fast, but their fitness is not to the level they can maintain for the whole game. Our focus was to make sure they didn’t have easy possessions,” he said.

“We had nine blokes out on the weekend, with a few of the senior players injured and guys away, but it was a good chance to give a few of the younger boys a chance to get out there, which was really good for the future of the footy club.

“We had a really good first quarter, we kicked 10 goals and played some good footy. We’ve got some good kids coming through who are building some confidence with these wins..

“We’re pretty confident in the ones we do play.”

We’re really satisfied with how we’re going, really pleased with all the young kids who were JU struggling to get game time at the start of the season but have actually rejuvenated the whole squad.

Pirrottina said the team were looking forward to a good break before their “huge game” against Brigades in round 11 after a bye.

“We’re going to rest honestly, we’ve got some pretty sore boys. This week will be pretty light,” he said.

“We’ll just make sure we keep doing what we’re doing really well and clean up a few areas like not allowing teams a three or four-goal run that we have in the past and be consistent across all four quarters.

“Unfortunately the time frame between really good games is long, so we have to make sure sure attention is up between playing stronger teams.”

Railways awarded their best on ground to Matt Kimberley who kicked four goals, while Elliot Delaney kicked was the lead goal scorer with six.

In Northampton, the Rams were spurred on to a 175-point win over Towns by a massive turnout from across WA thanks to an appearance by their home-grown West Coast Eagle Josh Kennedy.

Nearly double the town’s usual population saw Northampton lead through every quarter to take the win 30.21 (201) to 4.2 (26).

Northampton Rams Football Club president Damian Harris said while the support for the cyclone-stricken town was welcome, the team had been performing well throughout this season thanks to their self-belief.

“We had a great win. Towns have delivered us some crushing blows over the years but now it’s our turn and we’re enjoying delivering with good form,” he said.

“A hometown crowd is awesome, it was a great day for the GNFL.

“But right down to the youngest player this year they have belief in themselves.”

Two-time Geelong premiership star Harry Taylor led the side with 10 goals, while ruckman Flynn Dillon was named best on ground. Nathaniel Mourambine and Trent Simpson also proved valuable for the Rams, scoring six and four goals respectively.

This weekend, round 10, sees Chapman Valley match up against Brigades at Nabawa Oval, Towns take on Mullewa at Country Builders Stadium, and Rovers travel to Northampton to play the Rams, while Railways will have a bye.