Railways punch ticket to the grand final after knocking out minor premier Brigades in GNFL preliminary final

Railways are off to the grand final this weekend after taking down minor premier Brigades by seven points in a brutal slog in warm weather in the Great Northern Football League’s preliminary final. Brigades looked unstoppable during the home-and-away season, with many tipping them to go the distance this year. In last week’s qualifying final played during a 30C day, Northampton seemed to catch the Hawks slipping and they ran away with a win, but Brigades still had full confidence in their ability to win out. However Railways had other plans, as the Blues took down the top side 6.14 (50) to 6.7 (43) and will now face the Rams in Saturday’s grand final. The preliminary final game started with both teams missing shots at goal before Brigades managed to get on the board with a Dale Williamson major. The Hawks looked strong early and kept up with their pressure until half way through the first when Dion Anthony kicked a goal for Railways. Just before quarter time, Brigades’ Henry Perham was flattened by Railways’ Jesse Moore, resulting in Moore being red carded and Perham needing to be taken off the field on a stretcher. The second quarter opened with the ball working in the Hawks’ favour, as they quickly worked three goals to reclaim the lead. The Blues had multiple scoring attempts but converted none, kicking 0.6 in the quarter. Railways had their own loss before the half, as Clint Harrington was knocked out and was also taken off on a stretcher. The Hawks went into the half up 4.2 (26) to 2.11 (23), with inaccuracy from the Blues costing them. The third quarter was opened by 150th gamer Ben Saunders kicking a long goal for Railways. The ball spent a long time in the midfield with neither team finding much success getting the ball deep in their forward line but Railways’ Cory Clark scored a major while the Hawks only managed 0.2 for the quarter. Railways led by seven points going into the final term, both teams kicking 2.3 in the quarter, with the Blues sealing a 6.14 (50) to 6.7 (43) win. This marks the second straight year that the minor premier has failed to reach the grand final — in 2022 Railways suffered the same fate. According GNFL stats expert Victor Tanti, this is the 25th time out of the GNFL’s 63 years that the top of the ladder side has not reached the grand final. The Blues’ winning scored of 50 was the second-lowest for a finals game in league history and the match’s 93 total points was also the second-lowest in a final. Brigades continue to struggle historically in preliminary finals with the result marking their 19th loss out of 29, while Railways have won 18 out of their 28. Railways will now be aiming for a 13th premiership in club history, which would tie Towns for the record. They’ll face Northampton, who are trying to win a seventh in club history and their first since 2004.