GSFL 2024: North Albany hold off Denmark-Walpole to move off bottom of ladder with second win of the season

A four-quarter performance has been the catalyst for North Albany securing their second win of the season, snapping a nine-game losing streak on Saturday. The Kangas produced arguably their best performance of the season, coming from behind at quarter time to snatch a 38-point win over Denmark-Walpole and get off the bottom of the ladder. In the battle of the two sides outside the top four in the Great Southern Football League, it was the Magpies that started the best as they kicked three goals to one at Collingwood Park. However Saturday’s round 13 contest swung dramatically in the second term as the Kangas lifted significantly, kicking five goals to two to take control of the contest. It was a different game after quarter time as the defiant Kangas conceded just five goals and kicked 13 of their own. Kangas coach Brad Bootsma was pleased his side got some reward for effort. “It was a bit of an arm-wrestle, fifth and sixth fighting it out he said. “The boys have stuck at it and I’ve seen some of their resilience in those large beatings. “We played four quarters of footy which is nice. “In every game we’ve shown we can match it, we just can’t sustain it but we just want to keep giving our best effort and keep improving each week.” Veteran Graham Ross was outstanding with six majors in the 14.11 (95) to 8.9 (57) result and Travis Conn was also highly influential and booted two goals. The margin was six points in favour of the home side at half time and that grew to 16 by three quarter time. The Kangas finished far stronger, kicking four goals to one in the final stanza. Ross kicked two of his six majors in the all-important fourth quarter while Nick Barrow (one goal) and Kobi Keen in his 50th league game were vital contributors for the winners. The Magpies swung the changes before the bounce, with nine additions from their loss the previous week. Star big man Shayne Zanetti and young midfield star Marlon Mastalerz returned while Jaden Guidi played his first league game of the year. However their inclusions were met with a number of key omissions, including regular trio Ben Olden, Noah Madaffari and Banjo Watkins and Eagles WAFL player Revis Alone. Zanetti and Tyler Stone kicked two goals each, Mastalerz continued his brilliant season while Guidi and youngster Ryan Hick also won plenty of the ball.