GNFLW: Flag race seemingly down to three as Towns chase undefeated season

The flag race in the Great Northern Football League Women’s season appears to be down to three teams, with one side eyeing off an undefeated year.

Top-of-the-ladder Towns, last year’s grand finalists Chapman Valley, and perennial contenders Northampton are all in the running to claim this year’s title.

The three sides all have eight or more wins, with the Bulldogs leading all comers, undefeated on nine.

Player-coach Jess Giudice-Nairn was one of four recruits to the side ahead of season 2024, including reigning best and fairest Gemma Dix and sisters Emilee and Jorja Bevan.

In her first year as coach, she said she never imagined it would be this successful.

“To be honest I’m just lucky I have a really coachable group,” she said.

“They were super welcoming when I did come over, as was the club in general, which help made the transition so easy.

“They’ve made my job pretty easy.”

Still performing on-field, Giudice-Nairn credited assistant Jason Drage for his efforts in helping the side throughout the season.

The recruits have helped Towns go from just missing the four in 2023 to being the favourite to take out the competition this year.

The combination of reigning women’s best and fairest winners Dix and Olivia Bidwell has stood out, and could be the difference heading into September.

However, Giudice-Nairn admitted the claim to being flag favourites did not sit well with her.

“We’re just trying to keep a level head and not expect everything to go our way,” she said.

“We still have to work hard for it and stay committed.

“Hopefully good things will come from there, but staying humble is the biggest thing.”

Remarkably, the recruits could go more than two years without a loss, having gone undefeated across Brigades’ 2023 premiership.

Giudice-Nairn said she was not aware of the feat, but said it was not something she took too much notice of.

The Royals have the toughest run home, facing away games in Northampton this weekend and Towns in round 17, while the Bulldogs will take on Mullewa at home on Saturday.