GSFLW 2026: Albany claim low-scoring victory over premiers as Denmark-Walpole and Railways keep pressure on

Albany sits on top of the ladder with two rounds left to play in the 2026 Great Southern Football League Women’s competition after a low-scoring win over reigning premiers Mt Barker on Saturday. In wet conditions the Sharks kicked the only two goals of their home fixture against the Bulls, to set up their seventh win of the season. Both majors came in the first term, in the period that proved to be the difference in the round eight game at Retravision Stadium. Alice Jones and Lauren Reinders got the Sharks off to a flying start as they led by 11 points at quarter time. Two behinds in the second moved the margin to 13 by the long break but neither side could add a major in the second half as the Sharks secured a hard-fought 16-point win. Jeanette Gordon, Natasha Bower, Ellie Puls and Mikala Bower were instrumental for the home side in the 2.6 (18) to 0.2 (2) victory. The result kept the Sharks four points clear of the second placed Railways on the ladder and all but assured a top two finish and a finals double chance. The Bulls were best served by Sarah Eisenberg, Sophie Richards, Megan Nekel and Mae Porter. Denmark-Walpole notched a vital win earlier in the day at Retravision Stadium, downing Royals 13 points in heavy rain. Goals from Emily Johnston and Abby Needs had the Magpies ahead at half time and they never looked back. Gracie Gibson kicked a major for the Lions in the second term and they tried valiantly to peg the margin back in the last half but the Magpies defence stood tall. Siri Matthews was superb around the ball and well supported by Megan Ross, Ella Butler, Grace Dempster and Needs as the Magpies won 2.7 (19) to 1.0 (6). Nardia Humphries was brilliant for the Lions in a losing affair, dominating across half back while Nicola Thomas, Patricia Hoveler and Joslyn Pass also impressed. Railways were emphatic 105-point winners in their clash with North Albany at Retravision Stadium. The game was over at half time as the Tigers piled on nine unanswered goals and kept the Kangas scoreless throughout. Kirsty Smith booted three majors in the romp and was well supported by Taiah Curtis (two goals), Abby Duncan (two) and Georgia Whitelaw (two). The Tigers fourth win in a row came on the back of strong performances from Ksharna Coyne, Kiahn Perry, Duncan and Zarli Curtis. In a losing affair Lucia Edwards, Michala Sandy, Kylie Lloyd and Jolene Olde worked hard throughout. In round eight of the youth girls competition Albany were comfortable 45-point winners over Mt Barker while North Albany held Railways scoreless in a 46-point result. Royals won by forfeit over Denmark-Walpole. There will be a general bye for Easter with the senior and youth competitions returning on April 10.