Country Championships: Rebounding star Kane Pinney claims player of the final in Great Southern title victory

A humble Kane Pinney was delighted to be named player of the division three final after guiding Great Southern to their first Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships title in 10 years. The sweeping intercept defender was instrumental in the grand final across the back line, forming a brilliant partnership with vice-captain Brayden Parker. The pair mopped up in the defensive-50 across four quarters and launched stunning counterattacks with their slick foot skills and dashing line-breaking runs. In greasy and trying conditions, the star Albany defender was clean in the air and at ground level and won the medal for best on ground in the 7.7 (49) to 3.4 (22) victory at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday. Having conceded just three goals in their four pool games and 47 points across the tournament, Pinney said his partnership with fellow defenders was crucial. “It’s always nice to obviously win and then, whatever fruits come with that,” Pinney said. “We were a bit concerned about it early, having me, Brayden (Parker) and Jonesy (Cam Jones) down there with actually manning up. “But across the carnival it worked out fine. . . we conceded (around) 40 points in five games.” Pinney, who hails from Lake Grace, relished the opportunity to represent Great Southern and is eager for a shot at back-to-back titles. “It’s really good to play at a higher level of footy, no matter where you are and who you are,” he said. “Everyone always strives to be better and play at a higher level so having that in the back of your mind — everyone in the Great Southern will be better for it. “That’ll be the aim (division two success), try and get the core group of who’s here to come up and represent again, and hopefully push for that division one spot.” Fellow Sharks teammate Bailey Taylor was prolific in the midfield across all five matches and was duly selected in the championship all-stars. Taylor has played State country football for the last two years and was part of Goldfields successful division two campaign in 2023.