Official Match Report
It was a big night at Sir Richard Moore as Railways were hosting their 110th birthday celebrations which also coincided with their 2000 premiership reunion, but before the party could start there was business on the field to attend to, and attend to they did. The 45 point victory really could have been anything as the Roos threw up an uncompetitive performance. Star in recent weeks Ashley Wedding was held goalless and markless by Panther defender Liam Coyle and again aside from Jay Leeder the Roos were humbled in the night 2004 AFL Norm Smith Medallist for Port Power, Byron Pickett made his GFL Debut, Pickett will be far better for the run and some further nights on the training track, but did take advantage a couple of times, to deliver his trademark shirtfront which had a couple of Panthers in La La Land for a moment. Panther Ben Grace returned to the Club and he added another forward line dimension to Kody Kelman and Michael Towns and this trio combined for eight of their 10 goals. Mitch Gillam was hard working as always in the middle while Vice Captain Rhett Foster played very well in his best game since returning from an extended overseas holiday. Later in the evening the Panther Party then got into full swing where Life Member Don Colgan was recognised for his 50 years of consecutive service as Player/Committee/Member to Railways and then the further highlight became the return of the 2000 Premiership team, with current captain David Stubbs and member of that premiership side (and also 2002 and 2006) received a much deserved Life Membership and I’m sure he will remember the evening of his 212th game with very fond memories.