Railways couldn't make the top four in the final round of 2019 fixtures, but this did not stop them from putting in a stirling effort to beat their arch rivals Federals.
Played in fine but chilly conditions on Northam Oval the Bombers started well with precise kicking and hard running to have a 27-point lead at first break, and opened it up to 33 at half-time.
However Federals rallied in the third quarter and Railways were under pressure for the first time in the match, and by three-quarter time Feds were within 13 points and it was game on.
Federals hit hard and reached the lead, however some of Railways senior players stood strong and even though out scored in the final term, they regained an eight-point lead to win this thrilling game.
Daniel Negus snared three goals for the victors, and while it was a team effort, Negus, Steve Caccetta, James Morris, Jon Armstrong and others were solid contributors.
Finishing two games out of the final four was a somewhat disappointing closure to the season, especially after retaining many of their premiership players from last year.
First year coach Nathan deBleCourt led by example throughout the season, and hopefully will fill the position in 2020.
Similarly, Railways Reserves side, under first year coach Terry Bell, also finished the year in fifth position.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of locally inspired indigenous guernseys to the Railways League, Reserves and Fast Tarts netball team.
The colourful designed guernseys were sponsored by the WA Country Health Service Ngamari Free programme.
Ngamari Free (Smoke Free) is a culturally safe approach to reducing the impact of smoking on the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal people in the Wheatbelt.
By sharing the Tackling Indigenous Smoking message and linking people into support services we hope to create a smoke free future.
The Railways football club was a successful recipient of the Ngamari Free Sponsorship Program which has enabled us to host our Indigenous round for the Avon Football League and Netball on the weekend.
It will be great to see our mob down at the Northam Recreation ground this Sunday being Ngamari Free.
If you want to yarn about your smoking or find out more about Ngamari Free program please call Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service on 9690 2888.
Next Sunday Federals play Quairading in the sudden death first semi final at York.
It should be a beauty!
