GSFL 2025: Royals claim sixth premiership in 16s competition after stunning upset over Denmark-Walpole

Royals became the most successful 16s team in the Great Southern Football League, as they upset Denmark-Walpole courtesy of a dominant third term on Saturday. The Magpies claimed the minor premiership and were the first team into the grand final but it was a determined Lions side that booted five majors in the third to record a seven-point win. The premiership victory was the Lions’ sixth in GSFL 16s/17s history, making them the most successful club in the grade since its inception. Will Berry was outstanding for the winners, claiming the Bob Whalley Medal as best on ground, while teammates Lindsey Dean Jr and Nathan Tomlinson kicked two majors each in the 7.8 (50) to 6.7 (43) result. The Magpies led by seven points at half-time thanks to two majors from key forward Cooper Barlow but the Lions were clinical in the third term. An early major from Shaun Gubbins put the Magpies 13 points ahead, but the Lions responded with the next five goals which turned the momentum of the game. Jake Dunkeld got an immediate reply before Nathan Tomlinson got it back to one point. Leo Cunningham pinched the ball deep in attack and put the Lions ahead before a wonderful Tomlinson snap secured his second of the decider. The Lions entered three-quarter-time with a 19-point buffer after Dean Jr booted his second on the run. Tristan Kirkwood kicked two goals in the final term as the Magpies tried to stage a comeback but the Lions defence held firm. Lions coach Jarrod King said his side had developed well over the season and were fit and firing in the finals. “Kicking five goals in the premiership quarter really broke the game open,” he said. “The goal at the start of the year was to play team footy and get everyone involved and I thought we were peaking at the right time of the year. “We had some injuries after school (country week) but we got them all back for the finals and that certainly helped.” Berry won the medal after a superb display through the middle and he was well supported by Dean Jr, captain Seth Laudehr and Teague Ellis. For the Magpies, Sam O’Toole-Gardner was terrific all game while Beau Loton, Kirkwood and Joshua Anderson also had strong impact. Barlow, who was the competition’s leading goal kicker, finished with 2.3.