GSFL 2020 Denmark-Walpole preview: Haskins steps up to lead exciting Magpies outfit

Experienced defender Alec Haskins will step up and lead a much-hyped Denmark-Walpole team joining Luke Hutcheson as a co-captain of the Magpies for the 2020 Great Southern Football League season. Haskins was a part of the 2010 premiership with the Magpies before joining North Albany in 2014 and was part of four winning league grand finals. The dashing defender returned to McLean Park last season and will help lead the Magpies in his second season back as they look to return to finals. Ex-Brisbane Lion Ash McGrath, who played 214 AFL games, will pull on the black-and-white stripes for the first time in round one along with last season’s Sean Plaisted trophy winner Dionne Woods, who has gone back to the Magpies after playing with Mt Barker. Reigning Albany fairest and best winner Coen Marwick is another boom recruit for the Magpies, adding midfield and goal-kicking depth. Star midfielder Jaden Guidi is back playing full time after managing one game last season but will miss the season opener, along with Jayden Woods who is returning to his former club but is injured. Tom Candy is back at his junior club after playing for North Fremantle. Co-coaches Ryan Gaerth and Simon Barker will be hoping their recruits can cover the loss of Kalin Lane, Dave MacDonald, Ethan Burton, Brodie Hickey, Jack Hickey and Sam Finigan. “Our aim is to play finals for sure this season with these recruits, hopefully we can sneak in there with the new look system,” Gaerth said. “It’s an unusual season and hopefully we are more competitive but it’s just good to be back playing footy. “It’s good for the town and community.” Gaerth said Noah Madaffari, Matthew Dykes, Brodie Ellis and Jarrod Brack were young kids to keep an eye on. 2019 finish: Fifth Captain: Alec Haskins & Luke Hutcheson Coach: Ryan Gaerth & Simon Barker Ins: Ash McGrath (Kenwick), Coen Marwick (Albany), Jayden Woods (Gosnells), Dionne Woods (Mt Barker), Tom Candy (North Fremantle), Jackson Whooley, Dave Scriven (North Albany), Brandon Woods (Royals), Josh De Campo (Manjimup), Kenny De Campo (Manjimup) Outs: Kalin Lane (Claremont), Dave MacDonald (retired), Sam Finigan (retired), Ethan Burton (work commitments), Brodie Hickey (retired), Jack Hickey (retired).