GSFL 2024: Railways coach Bodhi Stubber stands by youth focus despite bowing out of premiership contention

Railways player-coach Bodhi Stubber believes the Tigers’ season was a success despite it ending with a heavy elimination final defeat to Mt Barker at home on Sunday. The Tigers were thoroughly outplayed by the Bulls in their do-or-die clash, the visitors plundering seven unanswered goals through the first three quarters to register a commanding 40-point win at Tigerland. Stubber said while he was disappointed with the result, he was pleased with being able to unearth young talent throughout the 2024 Great Southern Football League season. “It was a very disappointing game; they were a lot cleaner and our skill execution really let us down,” he said. “The hunger and desire was there but we just weren’t good enough. “My big focus was pushing youth and kids through as much as possible so it pushes a few of us older blokes out of the team and into retirement. “I think we’ve done that really well throughout the year and it probably hindered us a bit (on Sunday) with not having enough youth in the team.” Among the swag of excitable emerging players who have featured in the Tigers’ league side are 20-year-old Kleemann Medal favourite Ryley Valli, colts duo Hunter Porteous and Milan Jaggi and teen sensation Robert Farmer. Stubber believed the season was not a failure despite being bundled out in the first week of finals. “I thought the season was successful,” Stubber said. “I look at it more in the club perspective that we’ve got two teams in a grand final and another in a prelim. “You can’t let one grade determine your year, so I believe we’ve had a successful year. “A one-club mentality has been my focus all year. “My biggest thing is trying to get everyone at the club to enjoy their time there, enjoy playing footy, enjoy being around each other and the people involved in the club, and I think everyone here has enjoyed their time this year.”