GSFL 2024: Old rivalries continue, special tribute game, NAIDOC Round and Retravision Cup among games to watch

The Advertiser reveals the top five matches to watch this 2024 Great Southern Football League season. TOP FIVE MATCHES TO WATCH Round 1 - Thursday, April 25 - Anzac Round North Albany v Railways at Collingwood Park, 4pm start There is always something special about Anzac Day matches. As teammates stand arm-in-arm opposite their opponents ready to do battle, the minute’s silence followed by the Last Post creates a stirringly tense atmosphere for a contest that overlooks ability and favours the brave. The day not only holds great significance for Australia but for Albany, it’s a landmark day on the calendar. Albany is where many soldiers set off on their way to fight for the country and this Anzac Day game has always been well attended. This blockbuster encounter kicks off the new season between two traditional rivals North Albany and Railways, and almost always throws up a close contest. It is a special game to play in and a fantastic spectacle to watch from the sidelines. Round 4 - Saturday, May 18 - Grand Final Rematch Albany v Railways at Retravision Stadium, 2.30pm start Albany ended the Tigers dreams of a premiership three-peat in last year’s decider after lifting a historic first Great Southern Football League flag. Having gone toe-to-toe in the past two grand finals and the ledger sitting at one apiece, there will no doubt be a bit of spice added to this already salivating stoush. The Sharks have risen to the top but they are now the hunted and the Tigers will be itching to get some early revenge on their crosstown rivals and set the tone for the 2024 campaign. There was plenty of feeling between the pair late in the grand final and we expect nothing different here. Round 8 - Saturday, June 22 - Think Mental Health Round - Benno Napier Tribute Match Denmark-Walpole v North Albany at McLean Park, 2.30pm start The Benno Napier Tribute Match holds special significance for the Denmark-Walpole Football Club as the Magpies remember one of their favourite sons who was tragically killed in 2017. Now, seven years on the Magpies pay homage to Benno Napier each year with his parents Delwyn and Tony Napier presenting the Benno Napier Memorial Match Medal. It seems no matter where the Magpies are placed on the ladder, this deeply meaningful fixture draws the best out of each individual who takes the field. Last year they won their only game of the season in this exact fixture but North Albany are on the rise and will be a tricky opponent once again. This game attracts a strong Magpies home crowd and is certainly one not to miss. Round 8 - Saturday, June 22 - Retravision Cup Albany v Royals at Retravision Stadium, 2.30pm start Despite the two teams calling Retravision Stadium their home, the clubs are far from being friendly co-tenants. The animosity between the two clubs seems to grow year on year and this fixture could perhaps settle who holds bragging rights in 2024. The two sides now play for the Retravision Cup in the middle derby game of each season with the Lions winning the first clash in 2022. However the Sharks took the honours last year with a big win to square the ledger. Round 11 - Saturday, July 20 - NAIDOC Round Royals v Mt Barker - Retravision Stadium, 2.30pm start North Albany v Railways at Collingwood Park, 2.30pm start Denmark-Walpole v Albany at McLean Park, 2.30pm start The Great Southern Football League will celebrate its rich Indigenous heritage with clubs playing in specially designed jumpers to mark NAIDOC celebrations. NAIDOC Round will honour and commemorate the traditional land owners and celebrate the impact that exciting and prospering Indigenous footballers have on the sport across the nation. Donning jerseys that tell rich stories of the Menang Noongar history, the three NAIDOC Round clashes will be a must-watch for all footy fans.