GSFL 2023: Gains and losses aplenty for Lions who have been hit with two key injuries on eve of season

Royals will head into the upcoming Great Southern Football League season with a mix of player gains and losses as they begin their quest to rise back up the ladder. The Lions have been hit with two major blows as premier midfielder Zak Mola and reliable defender Hamish McMorran are both set to miss the season after their respective injuries. Mola suffered an Achilles tendon injury in a practice match in Borden while a serious knee injury to McMorran will sideline him for the whole of 2023. Seb Stanton will be another key omission for the Lions after moving to Perth. Returning Lions coach Andrew Ruck is hoping for a competitive year as his side looks to bounce back from last season’s elimination final loss to Albany. “Like most teams we’re hoping to be competitive but I don’t think we’ll be the top dog, that’s for sure,” he said. “We started pre-season early and will probably get four or five back but like some of the other teams we’ve had a bad run with injuries in the last month. “Two of our young kids have injuries too. Rory Luscombe is out for six weeks with a knee and Teague Valli has broken his ankle which will be at least five weeks as well. “We’ve got three or four young guys that we got about 20 games into last season that we hope can become regular league players. “We have got some players back in town which is great — that will bring us a little bit of run and silk around the ball. “You need some of those guys that make good decisions at the right times and they’re hard to find especially in country footy.” Michael McGlade will return to the Lions along with Corey Ward while ex-WAFL player Steven Edwards is also set to re-join the club. Commanding forward Taylor Powell is another inclusion for the Lions while Aquinas College youngster Seth Hambley makes up a total of five key additions to the squad. “They are probably the main ones, apart from that we’ve been pretty good in not losing players,” Ruck said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how Ben Altus goes and I’m looking for a big year from Nathan Powell, hopefully he can rebound. “Another one coming through is Lorcan McNamara, he kicks it beautifully. “It all comes down to how many injuries you get, I think last year we were hampered by that a little bit so hopefully we can get on top of them and manage that. “Two or three players can really make a difference in a team and with a few injuries, hopefully some of the other guys can step up.” The Lions will face Mt Barker to start their new campaign in round one. Royals 2022 finish: Third Captain: Brayden Parker Coach: Andrew Ruck Gains: Michael McGlade (Lake Grace-Pingrup), Corey Ward (Lake Grace-Pingrup), Steven Edwards, Taylor Powell (returning), Seth Hambley. Losses: Seb Stanton, Hamish McMorran (injury), Zak Mola (injury). One to watch: Ben Altus — another year of league football under his belt should do wonders for the young talent. Calvin’s call: Will make finals despite a few big names out with injuries. Backing this group to have a strong second half of the season and be firmly in the mix to make a grand final.