GSFLW 2025: Magpies keep Tigers winless, Kangas and Sharks share the spoils, Bulls keep winning streak going

Denmark-Walpole strengthened their finals chances, while North Albany and Albany couldn’t be separated in round three of the Great Southern Football League Women’s competition at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. The Magpies and North Albany were both looking for wins after a disappointing round two, and Mt Barker were keen to continue their unbeaten start to 2025. In the first game of the afternoon, Railways’ Kanisha Bennell put the first goal on the board but it was quickly followed by a reply from the Magpies who went into quarter-time up by three points. Magpies star Rebecca MacDonald dominated the second quarter kicking three goals in quick succession from deep in the forward line. Despite a promising start, the Tigers couldn’t score in the second quarter, but they managed to hold the Magpies scoreless in the third quarter, with their midfield putting up a fierce fight and Taiah Curtis and Bennell putting through a goal apiece. The Magpies flew away again in the final quarter, kicking the only major on their way to a 20-point win. Rebecca MacDonald was highly influential along with Zoe Car, Megan Ross and Matilda McHenry as the Magpies won 5.10 (40) to 3.2 (20). Vaghla Hill, Nicole Mullally, Rachel Boothman and Saska Ellis were the Tigers’ best players. The Kangas put up a solid fight in the second game, eager to come back from losses in the first two rounds. By half-time, the Sharks held a narrow lead but the Kangas kicked two goals after the long break to keep themselves in with a chance. Captain Kirstie Cooper kicked the third goal for the Kangas to open the third quarter, and the Kangas worked hard to keep the action down their end in the second half. The scores were even with five minutes left on the clock, and the Kangas’ side of the stands only got louder as both teams fought to get the winning edge and claim victory. However the two sides were locked at 22-all at the final siren, the match ending in a draw. Royals played a tough game against reigning premiers the Bulls to finish the night, with the home side kicking their only goal in the final term. The Bulls started fast and didn’t let up the pressure, tearing away in the opening quarter, with vice-captain Kaitlin Eades putting through the Bulls’ first goal early on and Chelsea Williams and Tajah Griffiths scoring one goal each in the third quarter. The Lions weren’t ready to give up though, and Gracie Gibson put through the team’s only goal in the fourth, but they fell 22 points short. At the end of round three, the Bulls stand firm atop the ladder, with the Sharks and the Pies rounding out the top three, both with two wins. The Lions’ round-two win has them holding on to fourth spot, with the Kangas and Tigers yet to win this season. Round four will be held on Friday night, kicking off at Sounness Park at 6pm, with the Bulls hosting the Sharks before the Magpies tackle the Lions at 7.45pm. The other game will be at Collingwood Park between the Kangas and Tigers at 6.45pm.