GSFL 2024: Clinical nine-goal second term moves Albany clear on top after proving too strong for North Albany

Reigning premiers Albany are closing in on the minor premiership after moving one game and significant percentage clear of the Royals on the Great Southern Football League ladder. The Sharks overcame an early challenge from the Kangas to finish commanding 113-point winners at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. It will be an intriguing final three weeks of the regular season, with the Sharks and Lions to do battle in their traditional derby this Saturday in a clash that could decide top spot and hosting rights for the second semifinal. The Kangas were up for the fight early on in the round 12 clash, kicking the first goal of the game and trailing by four points at quarter-time. But a clinical nine-goal to one second term broke the game open as the Sharks’ classy midfield went to work. With Kaleb Germain and Brock Anning running rampant through the middle of the ground, the Sharks surged clear by 59 points at the long break. It got worse for the visitors, who were held scoreless in a dour third term and then conceded six majors in the final stanza to suffer another heavy defeat, 4.7 (31) to 20.24 (144). Sharks coach Jamie Ramm said it was another strong performance as they build towards another finals campaign. “Their first quarter was really good, lots of pressure and tackling,” he said. “We ended up getting on top and over-ran. “We aim to finish in the top two and are trying to make sure we have a full, fit list to pick from come finals.” The result was a special one for captain Tait McLean, who was chaired from the ground after celebrating his 100th league game in winning fashion, having led his club to a maiden premiership last year. The Sharks’ spread of contributors was again impressive. Debutant Jesse Owens showed he was capable at senior level and second-gamer Clay Harrington was again prominent. Rising youngster Germain, who has overcome an ankle injury, was clearly best on ground, while up forward Brett Peake had an entertaining tussle with Mitch Woods and finished with five goals. Missing star Isaac Baum (concussion), Bailey Taylor (State country duties), Mitch Collier (injury) and young pair Aiden Clark and Harvey Taylor who played colts for Claremont, the Sharks simply had winners everywhere. Lewis Bosch played a strong role up forward and kicked three goals, Robbie Lee (two goals) was again damaging in-between the arcs, Kane Pinney was the general in defence and Bryce Blaszkow won a stack of possessions. Jyrin Woods and Nick Barrow tried valiantly in the midfield for the Kangas and Kobi Keen played one of his best games of the season, while Woods did his best to limit the impact of Peake despite relentless forward 50 entries. “When they have 60 inside-50s, it’s hard to keep defending strong,” Kangas coach Brad Bootsma said. “We started strong but just dropped away as the game went on. “In saying that, I didn’t think the scoreboard reflected the effort.”