GSFLW 2025: Bulls fast start in preliminary final helps book grand final spot after disposing of gallant Lions

A resurgent Mt Barker progressed to a second straight grand final after their gritty 12-point win over Royals in the Great Southern Football League Women’s preliminary final on Friday night, keeping their premiership defence alive. The Bulls were forced into the preliminary final after a shock qualifying loss to Denmark-Walpole but the reigning premiers started in red-hot fashion at Sounness Park with three first quarter goals setting up the win. In front of a vocal home crowd, the Bulls got away brilliantly with two quick goals inside the first five minutes from Mikayla Balloch and Tajah Griffiths. These early efforts were followed by a third major later in the term from Zoe Kestel, to open up a 19-point Bulls lead at quarter time. Lions star forward Gracie Gibson put the Lions’ first score on the board, then followed it up with their first major in the second quarter as the Lions recovered from their slow start to put up a fight against the Bulls’ early momentum. The second goal for the visitors came from Eva Carolan later in the second term and as they teams huddled for half time, it was the Bulls leading by only seven points. However Evie Waddington broke through with a major in the dying minutes of the third term to set up a match-winning margin for the Bulls. Neither team scored in the final 18 minutes, with the Lions’ midfield and back line digging their heels in to keep the Bulls in check but the home side emerged victorious, 4.3 (27) to 2.3 (15), in a stoppage heavy contest. Utility Zoe Keley was brilliant for the winners and took a big mark deep in defence to thwart a late Lions attack, while Libby Morris and Saige Askevold were terrific around the midfield. Kaitlin Eades showed her class and was dominant in the opening half while Courtney Horsham was also important. It was a special win for the Bulls, who celebrated Askevold’s 50th game milestone and acknowledged their home fans post-game before another showdown with the Magpies this Friday. Bulls coach Sheridan Kowald said she was proud of her team’s work to come back and win after a disheartening loss in the qualifying final, but said they had a lot of work to do before grand final day. “We’re feeling pretty good, definitely a great night for us, but the work’s not done now, the girls have got to dig deep and get the job done next week,” she said. “We can’t just expect it to happen, the girls have to make it happen, but it should be a good game and it’s been a great competition for us.” Bulls’ Paris Wallinger came off the field during the third term injured after a head knock and was assessed for concussion and didn’t return play again. The Lions were gallant in defeat with Nardia Humphries controlling the backline and twin sister Narelle Humphries having impact in the ruck and up forward. Taylah Burt and Sophie Loveridge gave plenty of drive in the middle, Adelaide Crossing and Nicole Jacobs won plenty of the ball and Carolan was also vital in the loss. The Bulls progress to Friday’s grand final at Collingwood Park against the Magpies with bouncedown at 7pm.