GSFL 2024: Royals ready for war against Albany in first-ever league grand final clash says Darrell Panizza

Royals coach Darrell Panizza said his side is ready for war in their pursuit of a 14th Great Southern Football League premiership when they grapple with defending premiers Albany on Saturday. The Lions have enjoyed a rich history in the GSFL under Panizza, the WA football legend chasing his ninth flag while at the helm of the decorated club. But the Sharks, who clinched the minor premiership and have beaten them in three of their four encounters this season including the qualifying final, stand in their way of more flag success. The Lions’ last two losses were both at the hands of their grand final opponent but they will draw on their impressive round eight result when they held off a fast-finishing Sharks to win by seven points. Panizza said that even though his side had to qualify for the grand final the hard way, they’ll approach it with a fresh mindset and are on the hunt. “Every war has been won by attacking,” he said. “We’re going in with a real fresh mindset, a real fresh attitude, and we just want to do what we know we can, and play our footy that’s good enough to win. “We just got to continue to play the football that we’ve played all year, make sure that we’re prepared and ready. “It’s the biggest game of the year, we’ve got an opportunity to get. . . the ultimate reward.” Hard-nosed defender Quinn Bird (shoulder) and on-baller Michael McGlade (hamstring) are racing the clock to be fit for the decider, but Panizza won’t rule anyone out until the last hour. “There is there is a grand final to play in, and most players will do whatever it takes to get themselves prepared to be selected,” he said. “(McGlade) is going to be under an injury cloud but he has already been working to get his leg right. “On our last training session on Friday, we’ll work out whether he’s good enough or not. “All (Bird) needs is some rest but it wasn’t as bad as first thought but he’s probably less likely to play.” Jaiden Alison and Chandler Askevold-McDonald are likely inclusions should the injured pair not get up, meaning co-captain and key position player Hamish McMorran could be swung back into defence. Ruckman and stalwart Nathan Powell will run out for his 150th league game for the club on Saturday, with the grand final starting at 2.30pm at Retravision Stadium.