23-04-2025
GSFL 2025: Key position star Josh Bootsma among a number of strong inclusions for North Albany in new campaign
North Albany coach Brad Bootsma says his club are focused on being more competitive and staying in games longer as they enter the 2025 Great Southern Football League season.
The Kangas finished fifth on the ladder last year and didn't play finals but endured some heavy defeats along the way.
Bootsma was determined to make the Kangas better for longer in the new campaign.
'I'm not going to say we're going to make the four, I'm going to say we're going to win x amount of games,' he said.
'I'm just more confident, or more keen on making sure we can bridge that gap a little bit, and I feel like we will be in a better space this year.'
The Kangas hopes of an improved win tally will be boosted by the return of former AFL player and club junior Josh Bootsma, who has spent the last few years playing for Corrigin.
He will return to the red and white for the first time since 2011 and brother Jayden Bootsma is also back at the club.
Returning players Anthony Coyne, Harry Smith, Jack O'Farrell and Jake Castle will add important depth and livewire Liam Bennell is also an inclusion.
The Kangas confirmed the loss of Angus McKercher, Fynn Kelleher-Bird, Alasdair Holroyd, Brock Tiede, and Luke Mowaljarlai from last season.
Bootsma said the club also had a strong pool of junior players ready to move up through the senior ranks, including Dylan Bennett, Reagan Christensen, Lachlan Gorman, Blake Tysoe, and last season's colts captain Jack Doak, who all snagged valuable experience with the league side during the 2024 season.
He said he hoped some of the team's younger players would let the confidence and experience they gained in the previous season shine through this year.
'We've really worked on a lot of fitness this year and and some other other things as well to try and bridge that gap to be a bit more competitive,' Bootsma said.
Bootsma said the club was hopeful veteran midfielder Matt Orzel might return to play this year but expected regular captain Regan Lloyd to spend another year on the sidelines as he works back from a serious knee injury.
Nick Barrow will captain the Kangas again and Kobi Keen is the vice-captain.
The Kangas will face Railways in the Anzac Day blockbuster to open their season on April 25 before their first home game in round two against defending premiers Albany.
2024 REWIND
Finish:
Fifth
Best and fairest:
Nick Barrow
Highest Kleemann votes:
Jyrin Woods (4)
Leading goalkicker:
Graham Ross (28)
Biggest win:
70 points v Denmark-Walpole
Worst loss:
161 points v Railways
