GSFL keeps top-four finals, support for Saturday grand final grows

The Great Southern Football League will remain a top-four finals system, after directors and club delegates decided against a top-three series last week.

This year’s grand final appears more than likely to be held on a Saturday, in a move away from the tradition Sunday timeslot.

In a meeting held last Wednesday, the GSFL directors voted to keep a top-four finals system in place, on the recommendation of the six participating clubs.

The top-ranked team will face the fourth-placed side in one semifinal, and the second and third teams will meet in the other.

Those two fixtures will be played on separate days.

The two semifinal winners will then progress to the grand final the next week, with the highest-ranked side hosting the clash.

Plans are to hold the grand final on Saturday, September 26.

Initially the top-three finals system mooted saw the top side progress straight to the grand final and second and third clashing in a preliminary final.

GSFL president Joe Burton said they were keen to keep a two-week finals system and avoid running into October.

“We will have a top-four system this year,” Burton said.

“That is what the clubs wanted.

“The grand final is more than likely going to be on a Saturday.

“The idea of a night grand final was not supported by clubs but they want to play the grand final on a Saturday.”

Burton said at this stage Denmark-Walpole would not have a colts team.

The opposing team will receive four points when they play the Magpies.

Some of the colts-aged players from the Magpies will play for Mt Barker’s colts team.