GSFL 2023: Host of top talent named in 41-man senior squad as GSFL reveal new playing jumpers for champs

A strong 41-man squad has been named for the Great Southern Football League senior team ahead of next month’s Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships. GSFL head coach Glynn Verbruggen revealed his initial squad this week along with the new jumpers the senior side will wear, as they continue their preparations towards a return at the championships. Reigning Kleemann medallist Zach Jackson and Mt Barker teammate Daniel Patching are big inclusions in the squad along with former WAFL defender Steven Edwards. The competition’s leading goal kicker and former AFL star Brett Peake is also named in the squad along with three Kleemann medallists from Railways in Logan Stubber, Joel Want and Kane Shephard. Tyler Stone is the sole Denmark-Walpole representative and returning midfielder Matt Orzel is among six representatives from North Albany. Jack Beeck, who has dominated the early part of the season with Albany, is missing from the squad after moving overseas. Royals and the Tigers have 10 players in the squad while ladder leaders Sharks have seven, including former Claremont midfielder Isaac Baum and damaging wingman Robbie Lee. A strong group of senior players across the six clubs are leading the rebirth of carnival football at senior level. The GSFL has not competed at the annual championships in Perth since 2019 and it will tackle five other teams in division three on July 7-9. Stubber said he had missed the chance to represent his region. “The whole system has had a good change, the players are driving it and with Brugs coaching the interest has been really good. “The new outfits and gear looks good and a fresh start is what we needed.” Having represented Ongerup Football Association previously, Baum was keen to pull on the GSFL jumper. “Its always good fun, you have a group of lads from different clubs — some that you know and some that you don’t,” Baum said. “You get to know each other, play a heap of footy and always end up enjoying it. “I’ve always been excited about country week and I’m glad the GSFL are getting a team to go up.” The first training for the senior squad will be on Monday, June 19 at Tigerland from 5.30pm. GSFL squad Isaac Baum, Tait McLean, Taj Williams, Marlin Bennett, Robbie Lee, Brett Peake, Kieran Zilm (Albany), Tyler Stone (Denmark-Walpole), David Stone, Dylan Gowdie, Zach Jackson, Daniel Patching, Mitch Jackson, Scott Price, Joel Gray (Mt Barker), Graham Ross, Jyrin Woods, Nathan Crudeli, Nick Barrow, Matt Orzel, Regan Lloyd (North Albany), Beau Ewen, Logan Stubber, Jayden Scott, Mitch Green, Ryan Davies, Leighton Smith, Joel Want, Toby Hall, Kane Shephard, Bodhi Stubber (Railways), Cameron Allison, David Parker, Brayden Parker, Steven Edwards, Corey Ward, Ben Altus, Stephen Beal, Ryan Flick, Jayson Ford, Ryan Kinnear (Royals)