GNFL round 5 preview: Lopsided results likely as top three sides take on bottom-dwellers

Round five of the GNFL’s 2022 season appears predictable with lopsided results likely.

At Greenough Oval on Saturday, an unbeaten Rovers play Chapman Valley who are coming off a 146-point pasting against Railways.

Rovers’ Ian Comben is closing in on John Sims as the club’s most successful coach in terms of games won. Should the Demons win again, Comben will have been in charge for 63 games and won 83.33 per cent of them. Sims, coach in the 90s in 108 games, had a win percentage of 84.72.

Also on Saturday, Railways meet Towns at Country Builders Stadium. Railways, with a deadly midfield supplying Jesse Adamini, Jack Cocking and Alex Newton (15, 13 and 10 goals, respectively this year), will be hard to stop.

Towns have improved and did well to beat Mullewa last week after trailing at half-time and three-quarter-time.

One to watch for Towns is Rohan Fariss whose career tally of 73 best player listings draws him level with the club great Trevor Monger. Another will put him level with Jim Gray and Mike Page.

On Sunday, Brigades travel to Mullewa for what should be a big win. For Brigades, Kris Ryder and Jamie Ryder need a goal to reach 100 and 50, respectively.

Mullewa have played some good football but their lack of depth, especially with regard to big men, is telling.

After four rounds, there remain three undefeated sides — Rovers, Railways and Brigades. Railways are on top with a percentage of 247.74.

Given the likely results, the top three are expected to remain unbeaten after round five.

Northampton has the bye.