GSFLW 2026: Albany move two games clear on top of ladder, Mt Barker back in form and Railways eye top-two spot

Albany moved two games clear on top of the ladder in the 2026 Great Southern Football League Women’s competition after beating Denmark-Walpole in round six on Friday. The battle of the top-two sides was an absorbing contest in the opening half at McLean Park but the visitors were too strong after the main break. A three-goal third term gave the Sharks a handy buffer at three quarter time and they kicked the only major of the final stanza to secure a 27-point triumph and extend their unbeaten streak this season. The Sharks kicked two goals in the first half but the Magpies only trailed by 13 points and went into half-time with belief they could topple the ladder leaders. Mikala Bower and Marlee Ashton were terrific up front and with the work of Ellie Puls and Hayley Williamson, the Sharks proved too strong to move eight points clear in the standings. Ashton and Bower kicked two goals each while Gillian Chan and Aleisha Scanlon also contributed majors in the 6.6 (42) to 2.3 (15) result. The Magpies were well led by Sarah Cvitan, Ashlee Kerr, Chloe Ross and Megan Ross while Jane Devenport and Rebecca MacDonald kicked their goals. Mt Barker moved a step closer to securing a finals berth with a dominant 59-point win over North Albany in the early game at McLean Park. The margin could have been even bigger if not for the Bulls’ inaccurate kicking in front of goal. Five goals to nil in the first half set up the 8.13 (61) to 0.2 (2) victory for the reigning premiers. Sophie Richards was electric with four majors and Mikayla Kafi chipped in with three as the Bulls returned to some of their best form. For the winners Lilly Fiegert, Zoe Kestel (one goal), Tajah Griffiths and Mae Porter were all influential as they recorded a third win of 2026 and moved two games clear of the fifth placed Royals. The winless Kangas were best served by Lucia Edwards, Abbie Bootsma, Michala Sandy and Amelia Deutschmann. In the other GSFLW fixture, Railways notched a fourth win of the year, knocking off Royals by 58 points at Retravision Stadium. The Tigers had five goals on the board by half time and extended that advantage in the third, before running out victors 10.7 (67) to 1.3 (9). Taiah Curtis (two goals), Ksharna Coyne, Tayeesha Weeden and Amarlie Weinert (one) were all impressive for the Tigers while Abby Duncan finished with three majors. The Lions best contributors were Nardia Humphries, Grace Witham, Amelia Boccamazzo and Chanel-Rose Jetta (one). In the youth girls competition Denmark-Walpole were 23-point winners over Albany, North Albany finished winners by 54 points over Mt Barker and Royals prevailed by 13 points over Railways. In round seven of the GSFLW, there will be a double header at Railways on Friday night with the home side up against the Sharks at 5.30pm followed by the Kangas and Lions at 8.15pm. The Magpies face the Bulls at McLean Park at 6.45pm in the other senior game.