Great Northern Football League season races towards finale

Footy fans in Geraldton can look forward to more of the same as an action-packed season wraps up. Great Northern Football League vice-president Heather Brett said teams near the top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season had put on strong showings as finals got under way last week. She said while the league was happy with the quality of action ahead of preliminary finals, at least as impressive were how many people had come to watch. “They’ve been tightly contested games, and that’s what we’re hoping to see this weekend,” she said. “We know people play with passion, particularly this end of the year. “We just want it to be good, quality football with the right intent. “We’re incredibly thankful this season has been as productive as it has. “We’ve had incredible crowds, it’s been great for people.” The women drew a vocal crowd in their Thursday night semifinal timeslot last week, as reigning premiers Brigades went down 1.1 (7) to 1.3 (9) against Chapman Valley, who go through to the grand final. Northampton beat Towns in the other semi, 5.3 (33) to 2.4 (16) and will play in the preliminary final against Brigades. Brigades went through to the colts grand final with a 12.6 (78) to 5.2 (32) win over Rovers on the weekend, while Railways knocked Northampton over 7.5 (47) to 5.7 (37). Chapman Valley are through to the grand final in reserves after they beat Rovers 4.3 (27) to 5.16 (46). Northampton beat Brigades 7.7 (49) to 6.6 (42) in the other semifinal to make the preliminary. Rovers take an undefeated league record into the grand final, beating Railways 14.8 (92) to 7.3 (45), while Chapman Valley have another shot at a title decider after they beat Brigades 10.8 (68) to 8.6 (54). The men’s and women’s preliminary finals will run on Sunday. The women’s grand final will be played on October 3 and the men’s on October 4. Further north, Exmouth Eagles took out the first final in the town’s history to become Gascoyne Football Association premiers, beating Ramblers 16.13 (109) to 8.3 (51). The association couldn’t be reached for further comment on Monday. The North Midlands Football League wrapped up on September 12 with Morawa beating Mingenew in the final.