Railways end Rovers’ season and will face off against Brigades next week for a shot at the grand final

Railways are through to the preliminary final while Rovers’ season is done after the elimination final in the Great Northern Football League on Sunday. The Blues had to take finals through the eliminator after failing to secure second on the ladder against Northampton in the previous week, and they managed to get the job done against the Demons who could not repeat last year’s flag-winning effort. The game started in Rovers’ favour with an early scuffle in the pack getting the ball their way and Dylan Curley kicking the game’s first goal. Railways bounced back by getting the ball down to their end for a shot at goal, but it was touched on the line by Demon Stuart Egan, however, Jayce Price eventually got it through for a score the Blues way. On a windy day at WA Country Builders Oval, the side kicking with the win seemed to be in control and Railways took full advantage in the first quarter kicking 6.4 (39) to Rovers 1.1 (7). With the Demons now kicking the wind in the second quarter, they started with a goal from Farren Parfitt. After a lull with teams rushing the ball on both ends, Rovers got a clean shot on goal from 30m out and converted to bring them back in the game. The Demons took full advantage of the wind in the second quarter, making it an eight-point game at the end of the first half. The third quarter saw a scoring feast, with both teams kicking a combined nine goals in the third quarter. Both teams combined to kick nine goals in the third quarter. Railways and Rovers both came out the gates with a goal each, and Demon Curley went up high to take a mark in front of goal, scoring and reducing the margin just two points. With Rovers looking like they could take back the lead for the first time since the start of the game, Railways took over and chipped the ball around in their scoring half, extending their lead up to 16 before Rovers were able to score again. Towards the end of the quarter, the Demons faltered and the Blues capitalised by getting three straight goals before the siren. Rovers were able to put some points on the board late in the fourth, but the damage has already been done and the final siren saw Railways walk away with a 14.8 (92) to 12.4 (76) win against Rovers to advance in the next round of finals. The Mitchell and Brown best-on-ground award was given to Railways’ Dion Anthony with a three-goal effort in the win. Railways’ main scorers were Ryan Le Tessier and Declan Scriven with three goals. Rovers Dylan Curley booted four majors in the losing effort. Railways will face off against Brigades in next week’s preliminary final, with the winner moving on to face Northampton in the grand final.