GSFL 2021 North Albany preview: Kangas coach Leigh Hislop confident youth can help them rise up the ladder

North Albany believe their next crop of young players can help cover the loss of some key personnel as they start their new campaign this weekend. The Kangas have lost two key midfielders from last season when they were eliminated in the preliminary final but remain confident a group of emerging teenagers can lead their club back up the ladder. Talon Delacey finished runner-up in the Kleemann Medal last year but has moved to Perth, where he is playing colts with Claremont, while ball-winner Addison Dew has moved to Williams in the Upper Great Southern Football League. However, second-year coach Leigh Hislop said youngsters like Lachy Hansen, Heath Ravenhill, Louis Stratico, Caleb House and Dustin Boyce would play significant roles in his league team. Highly regarded midfielder Hansen played nine games last year and has been elevated into the leadership group as an 18-year-old, while Ravenhill, Stratico, Boyce and House have all played a sprinkling of senior matches. In another major shift at Collingwood Park, popular figure and resolute defender Regan Lloyd has been appointed league captain for the first time, taking over from Luke Cameron. “It’s not ideal to have those players leave but we are fortunate that last year we blooded some colts players and they will be important for this year,” Hislop said. “We absolutely look to those guys to step up and fill the void left by the players that have left.” The Kangas have also lost twin brothers Braden and Todd Retallack back to Boxwood Hill, while Heath Spinks has also moved to Perth. They will regain Darcy Norman and Jacob Crowe, who have played at the club previously, while Hislop expects big seasons from Jack McPhee, Mitch Lenegan and Jyrin Woods. McPhee, an Alan Barnett Medal winner, was hampered by injury and played only four matches last season. “We are a young side, so a running game is what we will be,” Hislop said. “As last year was my first year it was tough with COVID and without having seen the other sides play. “This year I have the benefit of seeing what we are up against. “We have catered some plays to be competitive this year. “It will be a bit rough early as it’s a new team and as the season gets on we will develop our plays, and players will get used to each other.” Hislop also said 16-year-old Kobi Keen has enjoyed a terrific pre-season and would be in the mix to debut early in the season. NORTH ALBANY Coach: Leigh Hislop Captain: Regan Lloyd 2020 finish: Fourth Ins: Darcy Norman (returning), Jacob Crowe (returning). Outs: Talon Delacey (Claremont), Addison Dew (Williams), Todd Retallack (Boxwood Hill), Braden Retallack (Boxwood Hill), Heath Spinks (Claremont), Jack Adams (Albany).