Ramm believes Magpies have the quality to challenge for flag after Sharks fall short in McGrath’s return match

Albany coach Jamie Ramm says Denmark-Walpole are building a formidable side, capable of testing the very best teams in the Great Southern Football League, after the Sharks slipped to a fourth straight loss on Saturday. A seven-goal haul from former AFL star Ash McGrath in his return to Magpies colours inspired last year’s grand finalists to a 54-point win over the Sharks at McLean Park. Brody Hickey, the club’s 2010 premiership hero, also played his first game of the season and the win came without key senior players Shayne Zanetti, Jaden Guidi, Angus Allen and David Scriven. The Sharks were round one winners against the Magpies but that result was reversed in round six as the home side kicked eight goals to four after half-time on their way to an 18.12 (120) to 9.12 (66) victory. Ramm was glowing of his praise of the Magpies post-game and was pleased with how competitive his young side was. “It was a really good game of footy,” he said. “Denmark are coming, they have a good side and have got some real quality players all of a sudden. “Ash McGrath is a lot fitter than last time and they still have Zanetti to come back. “We were very competitive but they will seriously challenge Royals and Railways on what I saw.” McGrath kicked 13 goals in four matches before having surgery on his troublesome shoulder after being the GSFL’s boom recruit in 2020. There were doubts around McGrath playing for the Magpies this season but he remained cleared to them and had an immediate impact, kicking three goals in the first half as his side opened up a 29-point advantage. The Magpies kicked four goals to one in the third term to put the game beyond doubt and despite the Sharks fighting hard with three goals in the final term, the home side notched their third win of the season. Big-bodied Magpie Kaden King-Davies was outstanding in his side’s win while Tyler Stone was a constant headache for the Sharks. Cody Kerr complemented McGrath up forward with three goals and the only sour point for the Magpies was a hamstring injury to Brodie Reeve. “The Sharks started really strong and had a couple on the board before we settled,” Magpies coach Alan Smallwood said. “Our good is really good, but we still have lapses. “We are still not putting our very best side on the park but it was great to have Ash back, it’s been about 12 months since he last played and he’s done the rehab on his shoulder.” The Sharks were best served by hard-running wingman Robbie Lee and midfielder Cameron Jones. Young forward Connor McCandless impressed with three goals while the Sharks were thrilled with the first half from debutant Mitch Collier and Gus Brockman also played his first league game.