GFL gallant but lose crucial match against defending champions Avon

The Goldfields Football League on Friday returned to division one at the annual country championships in Perth by splitting their opening two games — being left to rue a six-point defeat, 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28), against reigning champions Avon.

After opening the series with a win against Peel, the GFL were generally the better team in the second half against Avon.

But they ultimately paid a hefty price for a sluggish start when they conceded the opening three goals of the match.

Brett Blair finally opened the GFL’s account three minutes before half-time, but Avon star Joshua Burke goalled right on half-time for a 20-point lead.

Goldfields controlled big parts of the second half and edged within five points following goals to Nick Reghenzani and Jake Nuich.

There was plenty of time for the GFL to take the lead, but a goal from Avon’s Matt Rogers at the 11-minute mark proved to be the critical blow.

Blair responded with a goal barely two minutes later but a forced behind gave Avon a lead of seven points with a minute left.

Goldfields’ final forward sortie before the siren yielded a forced behind.

In Friday’s opener against Peel, the GFL quickly built a two-goal lead and were never challenged in a 20-point win, 3.5 (23) to 0.3 (3).

Jordan Strahan, who has rejoined Mines Rovers from the Harvey Bulls for the remainder of the season, joined Blair and Rory Gurr with a goal each.

Avon launched their title defence with a 21-point win against Upper Great Southern and Peel followed up their defeat in the opener by edging out South West by a point, 5.2 (32) to 5.1 (31).

Goldfields play South West and Upper Great Southern on Saturday.

Contesting division three, Esperance opened the carnival on Friday with a win against Hills, 5.8 (38) to 2.2 (14).

They followed-up by trouncing Onshore Cup, 11.3 (69) to 2.1 (13).