GSFL 2023: Welcome from GSFL chair Terry Eaton ahead of the start of men’s season

The 2023 season is upon us here in the Great Southern Football League.

We look forward to the six clubs this season being involved in our fantastic game of Australian Rules Football.

I am most looking forward to the development of the younger players across the competition for all to enjoy.

This season we start on Saturday with games at McLean Park and at Retravision Stadium followed by the traditional Anzac Day clash on Tuesday between Railways and North Albany where we are looking forward to a large crowd to kick off.

Mt Barker unfortunately have withdrawn their colts team for this season due to lack of numbers which is unfortunate as Matt Gilbert and his team have worked hard to try to make it happen.

Speaking with presidents Matt at Mt Barker and Tyrone Kennedy at Denmark-Walpole, they’re still searching for numbers to add to their senior sides, so I would encourage any player looking for more game time etc to give either club a call.

The GSFL over the break have engaged Ian Beeck as our GSFL operations manager. We welcome him and wish him well in the role.

He has hit the ground running and we look forward to him growing this role for the future of the GSFL.

After a lot of work by director Jack Scanlan, the seniors are set to return to the Nutrien Ag Country Football Championships this year, so we encourage players to start thinking about being part of the carnival as the season begins.

The GSFL this year will adopt WA Football Commission’s Community Football Tribunal as the overseer of any tribunal matters the league has this season.

Umpiring co-ordinator Ryan Tindale has assembled the panel of umpires ready to be involved this season, however, it’s not too late to join training on Wednesday nights at Oval T.

The standard of football is always better with quality umpiring and players just play the game — abuse will not be tolerated in the GSFL.

Women’s football still has a few more weeks to run and director Kathleen Mier says the season is coming to an exciting finale so get along and support the women on Friday evenings.

Sponsorship is very important for the clubs and league to sustain their involvement here in the Great Southern so when you have the opportunity please support wherever you can.

To Cam Newbold and Calvin Sims at the Albany Advertiser, we thank you for your support of men’s and women’s football with your weekly articles.

- Terry Eaton is the chair of the Great Southern Football League