New captain has confidence in Landmark team

Newly appointed Great Southern Football League captain Graham Ross is confident the team assembled for the Landmark Country Football Championships is capable of success in division three of the annual tournament starting in Perth tomorrow.

Following a disappointing relegation to division three last year courtesy of a winless campaign, Ross has thrown his support behind the group and the new coaches that will push for promotion back to division two.

“From what everyone says we shouldn’t be in C-grade,” he said.

“But that doesn’t mean we can take it lightly. I am confident if we play good team footy the scoreboard will look after itself.”

The reliable North Albany defender will represent the GSFL for the fifth time this week and will be assisted by Royals skipper Mitch Curnow who was handed the vice-captaincy.

GSFL co-coaches Kim Mayfield and Scott Sedgwicz named 22 players in their final squad, which included key players Dylan Morgan, Matt Van Schayk, Michael McGlade, Jarrod Whittle, Cleve Humphries and Luke Cameron.

“This is the highest level most of us can achieve in our careers,” Ross said.

“There are a lot of good footballers here.

“I want to lead from the front and play good footy, I am confident (of success) but you just don’t know what your opposition is like and that is the most difficult thing.”

Key players missing from the final team include previous captain Sam Lehmann along with competition stars Dave MacDonald, Kieran Hansen, Kayne Hamilton, Chris Denny, Tyler Stone, Brent Welshman, Peter Taylor and Nathan Skinner.

Mitch Tuffley and Codie Thiele were named in the final 23 on Saturday but have since withdrawn while Nic Cramer has been added but is only available on Thursday.

Despite the number of key omissions Ross was more than happy with the 22 players who will represent the region.

“Work, injuries and family take their toll,” he said.

“Commitment is hard but I don’t think any league is going to get their best 25 together.”

Mayfield threw his support behind the appointment of Ross.

“He’s been committed from the start and he is in good form,” he said.

“Rossy is a Kleemann Medal winner and he deserves an opportunity to lead the side.”

The Great Southern Landmark Team

Graham Ross (C), Mitch Curnow (VC), Dylan Morgan, Michael McGlade, Jarrod Whittle, Jake Stuart, Bodhi Stubber, Zak Hortin, Rhys Jones, Paris Ropiha, Darren Hunt, Bodhi Clifton, Luke Cameron, Matt Van Schayk, Damian Amesz, David Stone, Cleve Humphries, Daniel Williams, Matt McKain, Taylor Powell, Haydn Sproxton and Nic Cramer.