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Mid West region among top performers as Great Northern claims WA Country Football division two title

Matthew PaddickMidwest Times
Great Northern's Harry Taylor in a contest with Central Midlands Coastal's Tristan Jacques.
Camera IconGreat Northern's Harry Taylor in a contest with Central Midlands Coastal's Tristan Jacques. Credit: Jack Foley/Jack Foley

The best footballers from across the Mid West have performed strongly at the WA Country Football Championships, with two leagues going head-to-head in the division two grand final.

Great Northern and Central Midlands Coastal faced off in the grand final on Sunday, with both teams earning their way there in different ways.

After dropping their first game to North Pilbara on Friday, Central Midlands Coastal had to rally in order to earn a finals berth.

They did so, kicking nine goals straight to defeat Ongerup by 40 points, before upsetting Great Northern in their clash at Joondalup on Saturday.

A win against Mortlock sealed their fate, setting up the clash with Great Northern who had already qualified for the final.

On the day, the Geraldton-based side proved too strong for their Mid West neighbours, taking out the Division Two title and earning a promotion to the top league next year.

Great Northern took out the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championship for Division Two in Perth on Sunday.
Camera IconGreat Northern took out the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championship for Division Two in Perth on Sunday. Credit: Jack Foley/Jack Foley

The final started off heated, with both sides fighting to win the contested ball.

Great Northern took control of the game, but were unable to convert their efforts into scores on the board.

The side scored five behinds, before a 100-metre penalty from Cervantes’ Isaac Devitt-Boyd gave Izac Ronan the first goal of the match.

After trailing by 11 points at quarter time, Central Coastal Midlands looked to get back in the contest.

Led by their skipper Todd Kenny, the side began to find their groove, able to get penetration inside 50.

Cervantes’ Jack Beer steered through his team’s first major, but Great Northern refused to back down.

Former AFL talents Harry Taylor and Jayden Schofield had an influence at both ends of the ground, with the former an imposing target up forward.

Chapman Valley's Jayden Schofield playing for Great Northern.
Camera IconChapman Valley's Jayden Schofield playing for Great Northern. Credit: Jack Foley/Jack Foley

The duo combined for a goal prior to half time, to give Great Northern an 18-point lead at half time.

A response was needed from Central Coastal Midlands, and although the backline stood up, the midfield of their opponents were able to break the lines to find their way forward.

Great Northern’s Jaylen Parsons put through his first goal of the day, before Devitt-Boyd kicked truly at the other end.

However, Great Northern continued to push, holding a four-goal lead at three-quarter time.

As the rain came down, conditions became difficult with both sides at times failing to keep their feet.

Experience proved telling in the end, with Northampton’s Taylor kicking truly from 45 metres on a tough angle despite the conditions, all but sealing Great Northern as Division Two champions.

Todd Kenny was selected as an All Star at the WA Country Football Championships.
Camera IconTodd Kenny was selected as an All Star at the WA Country Football Championships. Credit: Jack Foley/Jack Foley

Mullewa’s Shane Bonney was named best on ground, with his versatility proving valuable for his side on the day.

Meanwhile, Kim Schofield was recognised at the player of the tournament, winning the Bud Byfield medal.

He, along with brother Jayden, were selected in the All Stars squad from the carnival, as was Dandaragan’s Todd Kenny.

In division three, North Midlands fell one win short of the final, finishing fourth.

Coorow-Latham’s Rhai-Arn Cox was one of the side’s best throughout the tournament, kicking 12 goals across his three appearances.

Rhai-Arn Cox kicks a goal for North Midlands.
Camera IconRhai-Arn Cox kicks a goal for North Midlands. Credit: Jack Foley

Great Northern’s Colts featured on Thursday and Friday, but fell one win short of the final.

Brigades’ Rhama Evans, Mullewa’s Dwayne Ryder, and Railways duo Ned Osborn and Jaxon Graham were selected in the Colts All Stars squad for their efforts throughout the carnival.

Watch action from all divisions at streamer.com.au

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