But a late Goldfields revival in the B-Section Landmark Carnival grand final saw them fall just short.

Wins in the preliminary rounds saw the GSFL move through to the final at Medibank Stadium on Sunday.

The southerners would have started favourites after finishing the earlier rounds on top of the table.

On Thursday, they defeated the Ongerup side by 68 points at Joondalup and followed up the next day with a comprehensive 105 point win over Eastern Districs Football League at EFTel Oval.

They started well in the final and through some slick ball movement managed to lead by seven points at the first change.

Royals’ midfielders James McRae and Cleve Humphries provided plenty of spark and constantly fed the ball to their forwards, while Nathan Skinner stepped up to be a major player in the second term, as GSFL held a slender five-point lead at the main change.

Former Swan Districts’ player Chris Maguire caused headaches for the GSFL defence and the Goldfields’ forward looked to be the only player standing between victory and defeat for the Great Southern.

Maguire had three to half-time and added to his tally in the third to keep Goldfields in touch at the final break.

Coach Darrell Panizza urged his team to keep running hard.

Good use of the ball saw them lead by 20 points at the final change.

However, some costly turnovers in the final term allowed Goldfields a sniff of victory.

Again, Maguire rose to the challenge and when he kicked his eighth major late in the final term, Goldfields had recovered and taken the lead.

They eventually ran out winners 15.15.(105) to Great Southern 14.13.(97). Humphries, Brett Hall and Terry Farmer each kicked two goals.

McRae, Humphries, Ryan Kinnear and Skinner were named in the GSFL’s best players list.

GSFL team manager Mark Bird said his team was devastated with the final outcome.

“To lose the final after leading all day was bitterly disappointing, but we were proud of the way the players acquitted themselves during the week,” Bird said.

“We took away our best possible team and hopefully we can take away a similar squad for next years championships.”

McRae and Humphries won Country All Stars selection with their efforts across the carnival.

Round15 of Great Southern Football kicks off on Saturday with Denmark-Walpole hosting North Albany at McLean Park in Denmark.

The Giants would have been disappointed with their last start loss to Mt Barker and will look to rebound against a North Albany outfit freshened up after an extended break.

Another loss here would see the Giants remain under constant pressure from Mt Barker, who are just one game behind them on the ladder, while a win would guarantee a top four finish.

Royals host the Bulls at Centennial Oval and judging by recent results between the sides should be a comfortable win to the home side.

In what looms as mission impossible for Mt Barker will be made even harder with the loss of Sam Lehman with a hamstring injury. Railways have the Round 15 bye.