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Young guns show flair in Great Southern Football League pre-season carnival for mental health

Taj StubberAlbany Advertiser
Railways' Tom Gawned is tackled by Royals' Tyson Mills.
Camera IconRailways' Tom Gawned is tackled by Royals' Tyson Mills. Credit: Laurie Benson

The Great Southern Football League headspace Super Round was well supported by players and spectators at Centennial Stadium on Sunday.

Teams from the sixteens competition were included in this year’s event after the colts held a Super Round for the first time last season.

The initiative helped raise important awareness of mental health and acted as a pre-season carnival for teams before the Great Southern Football League starts this weekend.

Albany’s Aiden Clark tackles North Albany’s Blake Tysoe.
Camera IconAlbany’s Aiden Clark tackles North Albany’s Blake Tysoe. Credit: Laurie Benson

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Royals, Railways, North Albany, Albany and Mt Barker took part in the pre-season competition that consisted of 15-minute halves, with each team playing at least two games.

The day was used to promote the mental health message among teenagers, and the on-field emphasis was on fun with no scores, goal kickers or best players recorded.

Railways' Toby Hall kicks his side forward.
Camera IconRailways' Toby Hall kicks his side forward. Credit: Laurie Benson

A deserving player from each team received a headspace football jumper at the conclusion of the day, with Lorcan McNamara (Royals), Kobi Doust-Pamplin (Railways), Caleb House (North Albany) and Joley Graham (Albany) the recipients in the colts.

Heath Turnor (Royals), Mitch Geddes (Railways), Flynn Kelleher-Bird (North Albany) and Shane Ugle (Albany) were the recipients in the sixteens.

Andrew Wenzel, Joley Graham, Caleb House, Kobi Doust-Pamplin and Lorcan McNamara.
Camera IconAndrew Wenzel, Joley Graham, Caleb House, Kobi Doust-Pamplin and Lorcan McNamara. Credit: Taj Stubber

GSFL director Brett Turpin said the event was a huge success.

“It was a really positive day and the whole event was a massive success,” he said.

“It was an exceptional display both on and off the field.

Kangas’ Solomon Ellery handballs.
Camera IconKangas’ Solomon Ellery handballs. Credit: Laurie Benson

“At every game you looked around and there was a great following for each team.

“ Having the 16s involved was really important and it was good to see teams lend players to even it up.

“It’s good for the kids and good for coaches, you don’t have to worry about the score and try players in different positions so everyone is valued.

Albany’s Shane Ugle gets his kick away.
Camera IconAlbany’s Shane Ugle gets his kick away. Credit: Laurie Benson

Turpin said the support of headspace Albany is greatly appreciated and the financial contribution from the Fish program.

The GSFL is looking at involving younger grades and possibly the women’s competition in the future.

Andrew Wenzel, Joley Graham, Caleb House, Kobi Doust-Pamplin and Lorcan McNamara.
Camera IconAndrew Wenzel, Joley Graham, Caleb House, Kobi Doust-Pamplin and Lorcan McNamara. Credit: Taj Stubber

Headspace Albany manager Andrew Wenzel said he is looking forward to hopefully involving women’s teams in the future.

“Headspace Albany is really pleased to be able to build on our relationship with GSFL to see the Super Round happen on the weekend, it was a great event,” he said.

North Albany's Tom Chambers.
Camera IconNorth Albany's Tom Chambers. Credit: Laurie Benson

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