Great Northern Football League: Rovers coach Ian Comben on finals, Clune fancies and last week’s thriller

Rovers broke a frustrating run of one-point losses when they beat Chapman Valley by the smallest possible winning margin last Saturday. Before that result, Rovers had lost their previous six one-point margin games dating back to 1988. Their win, and Railways’ victory over Northampton, effectively guaranteed the pair top-two finishes in the GNFL. Coach Ian Comben said Rovers’ score of 5.17 was below-par. “Poor kicking is poor football but take nothing away from the Valley, they were very good,” Comben said “We had an equal share of possession, it was windy, and there was pressure put on us, but our goal kicking wasn’t flash.” Rovers were not at full strength . . . though that’s the norm these days for most sides most weeks. “Hopefully Shannon (Cox) will play on Saturday, Dylan Curley will be right but Edward Curley is an unknown as he’ll be required by East Fremantle colts if they make the finals,” Comben said. “In recent weeks, we’ve given some colts, such as Jack Delane, Clay Azevedo and Leroy Shiosaki, a taste of league, though they’re more for the future.” Rovers have been well served by Dwayne Nevill, Gabriel Parfitt, Kobe and Beau Simpson, Chris Scott and Anthony Kyanga, but the standout has been possible Clune medallist Tom Denton. “He’d be favourite from our club but there’s Gus Devitt, Rohan Fariss, Mitch Boyle and Ben Saunders from other clubs,” Comben said. Comben revealed he’s considered what 22, if all the pieces come together, he wants for the finals. “Did that exercise last weekend as it happens, but like all clubs, we’re missing four or five players each week and you never know who might force their way in,” he said. GNFL ROUND 7 Saturday Chapman Valley v Northampton (Nabawa); Brigades v Rovers (GBSC Park, Broadcast Radio Mama) Sunday Railways v Mullewa (Warren Taylor Homes Rec Ground)