GSFL 2023: Sharks confident talented young group remain in flag hunt despite loss of raft of senior players

Albany will put a focus on youth in their bid to remain one of the top sides in the Great Southern Football League for years to come. The Sharks continued their impressive rise as a league outfit, knocking out Royals and Mt Barker on their way to a historic grand final in 2022. They fell short against an experienced Railways outfit in the decider and although the desire is burning for a first-ever premiership the club is putting an emphasis on remaining strong for the long term. The change in focus comes after the exit of several key senior players from last year’s finals campaign. Spearhead Matt Martin, midfield pair Dane Holdman and Jake Louthean, key forward Matt Galantino and Sam Christo were all part of the Sharks’ grand final side but won’t play for the club in 2023. Instead the Sharks are putting their faith in a talented group of teenagers coming through their junior teams, along with securing some handy young inclusions. The return of 2018 fairest and best winner Bryce Blaszkow after a stint with Mt Barker is central to the Sharks’ new direction while Harry Hordacre and Taj Williams add to an exciting young mix. Perhaps the biggest recruit of the season will be prized signing Jack Beeck, a 150-game WAFL player. Beeck played 70 league games among a 150-game WAFL career that spanned a decade with Claremont but family ties have him in the Great Southern and the newest Shark. Sharks coach Jamie Ramm said it was important to ensure their long-term future as a strong club. “We will have a fairly different side to last year, a lot younger,” Ramm said. “We have a lot of players in the 18-22 (age) bracket and that’s sort of where we wanted to be. “This is a group of guys that we can stick together for four or five years and it’s more of a local side this year. “Last year we had some players coming in but we’ve gone away from that and training is better for that reason. “Yes we’ve lost some senior footballers but we’ve picked up some excitement and have a young group that have worked pretty hard in the pre-season.” The Sharks are preparing to be without key pair Fraser Eaton (travelling) and Max Baker (Perth) for a decent chunk of the season. The club is also not sure how many games Beeck will play, given he is also planning on travelling. Ramm said his side would be spurred on by their grand final defeat and would again aim for a top-four finish in 2023. “You’ve got to aim to make the finals,” he said. “Last year playing in a grand final, that feeling (of losing) I’m sure is in the back of their minds but our players really enjoyed the ride of the finals and being there on that big occasion. “Without a doubt I think this group can win a premiership, whether that is this year or in three years I don’t know. “I think this group, if they stick together they can do it ... we want to play in finals and win big finals, that’s the aim.” Midfielder Tait McLean will again captain the Sharks with senior pair Brett Peake and Kane Pinney his deputies. The Sharks begin their new campaign against Denmark-Walpole. Albany 2022 finish: Runners-up Captain: Tait McLean Coach: Jamie Ramm Gains: Jack Beeck (Claremont), Jack Stevens (Kalannie), Bryce Blaszkow (Mt Barker), Harry Hordacre (Railways). Losses: Matt Martin (Bunbury), Jake Louthean, Matt Galantino, Dane Holdman, Sam Christo. One to watch: Bryce Blaszkow - returns to the club he played for as a junior and will have immediate impact as a very underrated ball winner. Cam’s Call: Hard to see the Sharks dropping out of the top four. However they will have to contend with some significant senior losses and how much they get out of Eaton, Baker and Beeck will have a say on how deep their campaign goes.