GSFL 2024: Welcome message from GSFL chairperson Terry Eaton ahead of the start of men’s competition

Welcome to the 2024 season, the Great Southern Football League looks forward to the six clubs being competitive across all levels of the competition.

We begin the season with the traditional Anzac Day clash between North Albany and Railways that both clubs dedicate to those many young men that left Albany on ships bound for Gallipoli.

This season takes on significance for last season’s league premiers the Albany Football Club, in that this year they will be the hunted after several years building the club and team to be competitive.

With coach Jamie Ramm at the helm, I’m sure he and the Sharks will be up for and enjoy the challenge.

The coaching sees a bit of the old and the new with Royals to be coached by familiar face Darrell Panizza and Railways appointing Bodhi Stubber for his first senior role after a few years involved with colts coaching.

Umpiring is going to be an important piece of our game day function with clubs preferencing more Saturday fixtures, the GSFL needs more trained umpires to cover all grades.

So if you are able to assist or keen to learn more about the game with the capacity to also earn extra income then contact co-ordinator Ryan Tindale.

Umpire training is Wednesday nights at 5.30pm at Oval T next to Retravision Stadium and we welcome any new faces.

Sponsorship is very important for the league and the clubs to sustain their involvement in our fantastic game of Australian Rules here in the Great Southern, so when the opportunity presents, please support wherever you can.

The GSFL has again locked in live streaming of a weekly league fixture thanks to the sponsors and the good work by general manager Ian Beeck.

We look forward to the GSFL being represented at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships in July, following up from last year’s positive approach to carnival football.

Coach Glyn Verbruggen assisted by director Jack Scanlan will be seeking the best squad to attend.

We are just concluding another very good season of women’s football with excellent crowds attending and enjoying the ongoing improvement of the game.

Finally a big thanks to the Albany Advertiser team led by Cameron Newbold, and welcome Harry Grigson for their fantastic support of football and other community sport here in the Great Southern.

Terry Eaton is the chairperson of the Great Southern Football League