GSFLW 2026: Bulls fend off fast-finishing Tigers as Sharks and Magpies post huge round one victories

Reigning premiers Mt Barker survived a late scare from Railways to start their Great Southern Football League Women’s title defence in winning fashion. A strong crowd attended the season opener at Collingwood Park on Saturday, consisting of six fixtures across the youth girls and GSFLW competitions. The Bulls were tested in their Blue Tree Project Round clash as the Tigers, who finished last on the ladder in 2025, stormed home to set up a thrilling finish. Three goals to one in the opening half had the Bulls cruising at half time and two more majors in the third term helped establish a significant 21-point buffer at the last change. However, the Tigers found another gear in the final quarter, and inspired by a stunning performance from midfielder Ksharna Coyne, getting within one kick late in the game. The Tigers would ultimately rue their kicking in front of goal, wasting a couple of golden chances to go ahead in the final few minutes as they peppered the goals. With their opponents tiring, the Tigers surged back into the contest but despite their dominant of play in the final term they kicked 2.5 as the Bulls clung on by four points. Saige Askevold was superb for the winners alongside co-captain Sarah Eisenberg while Mikayla Balloch kicked two majors. Last season’s GSFLW fairest and best winner Zoe Keley had a strong game in the ruck while Libby Morris and Zoe Kestel were also vital in the 5.1 (31) to 3.9 (27) result. Youngsters Piper Scorza and Georgia Whitelaw won plenty of the ball alongside Coyne who was outstanding in a losing affair. Madison Dallimore gave the Tigers a presence when moved into attack while Ava Bowbanks and Hannah Tweedie also impressed. A rampant five-goal opening half from Albany helped them start the new campaign with a strong win, downing Royals by 60 points. Hayley Haworth (three goals) and Mikala Bower (two) were the main avenues to goal for the Sharks in the 9.12 (66) to 0.6 (6) thumping. The Sharks led by 33 points at half time and kicked three unanswered goals in the third to put the game to bed. Jeanette Gordon, Bower, Emilie Baird and Aleisha Scanlon had plenty of influence for the winners. The Lions best term came in the last, holding their opponents to three behinds and their best contributors in the loss were Cheyane Hardy, Grace Witham, Hayley Ashboth and Telisa Reynolds. In the third GSFLW fixture, Denmark-Walpole powered to an 86-point demolition of hosts North Albany. The damage could have been worse if not for the Magpies kicked 21 behinds. Esme MacDonald (four), Rebecca McDonald (two) and Siri Matthews (two) were the multiple goal kickers for the visitors who won 11.21 (87) to 0.1 (1). The Magpies were best served by Matilda McHenry, Erika Tharratt, Matthews and Indi Coates-Ahomiro. Lucy Barnett, Emma Walker, Poet Smargiassi and Isabella Lindsay were the Kangas best players. Meanwhile in the youth girls, Railways were 44-point winners over Mt Barker who played in the competition for the first time. Another club in youth girls for the first time, Albany went down by 48 points to Royals and North Albany claimed a 23-point triumph against Denmark-Walpole. In round two GSFLW action the Magpies and Lions clash at Sounness Park at 5.30pm on Friday before the later fixture at the same ground has opening round winners the Bulls and Sharks up opposed at 8.15pm. At Railways, the Tigers will host the Kangas at 6.45pm.