GSFL 2023: Glynn Verbruggen takes reins as senior coach as GSFL plans returns to country footy championships

After a three-year absence, the Great Southern Football League’s senior team will return to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships. A new coach of the GSFL seniors has been appointed, a fresh set of jumpers ready and the planning is in place to compete at the annual carnival in Perth on July 7-9. Experienced football identity Glynn Verbruggen will take charge of the senior team, who will compete at the championships for the first time since 2019. The GSFL senior team made consecutive division three grand finals, losing to Eastern Districts in 2018 and then Regional Allstars in 2019. The entire championships were called off in 2020 because of COVID, in 2021 only the women and colts divisions were played and in 2022 the GSFL didn’t send a team. Verbruggen has previously coached the region’s colts team the Great Southern Storm and said he was thrilled to be involved at carnival level. “We are excited to get back there,” Verbruggen said. “A really good reset after a few years off and we are looking forward to getting stuck into it. “There was a working group working on getting carnival footy back going and then they approached me to coach and it was something that I was pretty invested in. “I’m looking forward to that next challenge of senior country week and getting that revitalised and getting the right culture set around that.” Verbruggen said there was a strong push from players to get carnival footy back up and going. “They have been working closely with the playing group and getting responses back from them which has been really positive so far. “Every league wants best available talent, I’m confident we should get close to the best side available but I’m also really looking forward to topping up with 21-22-year-old guys that have possibly been through the Storm program that I have good relationships with. “It’s about resetting the culture and getting guys that are keen to go away and play good footy and win but also go up there and represent the region in a really positive light.” GSFL director Jack Scanlan said Verbruggen’s appointment was a big boost for the region. “I held meetings with a core group of players from each of the six clubs to select a coach,” Scanlan said. “It was clear from these meetings that of all the names thrown up Glynn had the highest reputation and level of support. “We were absolutely thrilled Glynn was willing to do the job and from his work so far are convinced he is the man for the job. “He has been tireless in making sure it will be a successful campaign and is surrounding himself with the right people to get the job done. “The GSFL directors fully support our return to carnival and are hopeful of a successful campaign in line with the ability of our league.”