Great Northern claim WA Country Football Division Two Championship after defeating Central Midlands Coastal

Great Northern have taken out division two of the Nutrien Ag Solutions WA Country Football Championships, defeating Central Midlands Coastal by 36 points.

The side dominated from the start, with only their accuracy preventing the game from getting out of hand.

However, the defence, led by Jayden Schofield, proved too strong on the day, as Great Northern took the match 8.12 (60) to 3.6 (24).

Harry Taylor had a presence up forward, while Jamie Williams was used around the ground to the benefit of his side.

Shane Bonney was named best on ground in the final, playing an important linking role across the ground.

After going down to Central Midlands Coastal in the round robin, Great Northern came out with a point to prove in the decider.

The pressure was felt early, with both sides going hard for the football to get ahead.

Great Northern looked the more polished side around the ground, but let themselves down in front of goal.

The side kicked five behinds to start the game, but were able to put on constant pressure due to their well-drilled team defence.

Central Midlands Coastal were unable to get past halfway, and the frustration was felt with Isaac Devitt-Boyd giving away a 100m penalty.

It gave Great Northern the first goal off the boot of Izac Ronan just before quarter time, with an 11-point lead.

The side continued its charge in the second term, with Jay O’Brien soccerring through his first of the day to further stretch the lead.

Central Midlands Coastal began to find rhythm in the contest, able to break the lines to find opportunities up forward.

It was Jack Beer who was able to convert for his side’s first, but the game continued to be played in Great Northern’s attacking half.

Jayden Schofield, who was instrumental throughout the contest, sent the ball deep inside 50, with Harry Taylor taking the contested mark.

He put it through to give his side an 18-point lead at half-time.

There was more free-flowing play between the two sides after main break, but both sides’ backlines were holding strong.

Jaylen Parsons put through a major early for Great Northern, continuing his team’s momentum.

However, Central Midlands Coastal continued to press, and were rewarded with Devitt-Boyd kicking truly.

Great Northern remained undeterred, continuing to surge forward.

Although they missed opportunities, O’Brien converted a set shot late to get a four-goal lead at three-quarter time.

Early in the fourth, Harry Taylor defied the wet conditions to put the result beyond doubt for Great Northern, putting them back in division one next year.

The Bud Byfield medal for player of the division went to Great Northern skipper Kim Schofield for his efforts throughout the tournament in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Schofield, along with brother Jayden, were named in the competition’s all-star squad.

The Great Northern colts performed strongly in the carnival, but fell short of the grand final after losses to eventual finalists Peel and South West.

Brigades’ Rhama Evans, Mullewa’s Dwayne Ryder, and Railways duo Ned Osborn and Jaxon Graham were selected in the colts all-star squad for their efforts throughout the carnival.

Watch action from all divisions at streamer.com.au