Played in magnificent conditions at Centennial Oval, the Round 19 Great Southern Football League clash was again highlighted by an outstanding, individual bag of goals.

Royals’ forward Glynn VerBruggen finished with eight majors.

He took his season tally to 48 to give him breathing space on top of the GSFL goalkicking ladder.

This is eight ahead of team-mate Kayne Hamilton who finished Sunday’s game with three.

Despite a brief period in the second term when Railways managed to match it with the premiership favourites, it was all Royals.

This was despite a stagnant first half when Railways led at one stage.

Royals’ forwards were stung into action after the long break as they slammed home 10 goals to one in a much improved effort.

Their midfield once again proved dominant.

James McRae gathered a mountain of touches, while Chris Denny and Ryan Kinnear provided plenty of drive to the Royals’ attack.

Coach Darrell Panizza seems to have his charges fine-tuned and ready for anything thrown their way come finals time.

Railways were scoreless in the first term and goalless in the third.

If not for the efforts of Scott Hillman (two goals) and Scott Powell in defence, the damage may have been a lot worse in the end.

Royals’ best were McRae, who must be considered a favourite for the Kleeman Medal, Daniel Delcahno and VerBruggen, who shapes up as Royals’ danger man for opposition teams in the weeks ahead.

McRae said his team lifted their intensity in the second half, which was translated to goals on the scoreboard.

“We were a bit slow after (coming back from) our bye in the first (half), but the second was a much better effort,” he said.

“Our intensity picked up after the break and our midfield seemed to provide better ball for our forwards.

“We will need to play at that sort of intensity if we are to go anywhere in the finals. It will be a good test for us.”

McRae will again be looking to lead from the front when Royals travel to Mt Barker to take on the Bulls this Sunday.

But they will be sweating on the fitness of Cleve Humphries who continues to struggle from a leg injury.

Mt Barker’s slim hopes of making the finals were completely dashed when beaten by Denmark/Walpole at McLean Park on Saturday.

The Bulls led at the first change with young forward Ben Saunders again in the thick of the action and Michael Wright leading the way for the visitors.

Denmark completely outplayed the Bulls after quarter time and eventually ran out winners 19.17 (131) to 11.6 (72).

Tyler Stone was again outstanding for the Giants. He kicked four goals to be one of his team’s better players, along with Alex Haskins (three) and captain Coby Ladwig.

Saunders (four goals), Wright and Sam Lehman were better contributors for the Bulls in what was a disappointing day for them.

A seven-goal last term was the icing on the cake for the Giants as they sealed fourth spot and set up a clash with arch-rivals Railways in the first semi-final.

This week they take on the white-hot North Albany at Collingwood Park in what will be good preparation for them to try and launch a finals campaign.

Railways have the Round 20 bye and will need to have a good look at their opponents in an attempt to progress further and win their first flag since 1986.