GSFL 2023: North Albany legend Graham Ross looks back on storied career ahead of milestone in the GSFL

Graham Ross will pull on the boots in his 250th league game for his beloved North Albany on Saturday when the Kangas face off with Railways at Collingwood Park. A one-club man, Ross has spent nearly 20 years playing footy for Kangas after his first league match in 2005. The 37-year-old is one of the most decorated players in Great Southern Football League history, having won eight league premierships with the Kangas as well as the 2009 Kleemann Medal as the best-and-fairest player in the competition. The defender turned forward made his 150th league appearance in 2016 and more recently played his 200th game in 2019. Ross filled the role as club captain for three years and was also a captain and regular GSFL representative at the Country Football Championships throughout his career. He has also won three Kangas best-and-fairest awards. “In some respects it has absolutely flown by but then you start looking back at when you did start out and it seems a long time ago,” Ross said. “All the players you played with back then and now you’re playing with their sons. “It does make you feel old but it’s also really special in a way, too. “We love the club and love the game and I’ve made some lifelong friends at this place.” Ross mainly played as a centre half-back throughout his career after making his league debut in 2005 but has enjoyed a stint in the forward line in recent years. “I’ve really enjoyed the role change, it’s been a nice change to do something different on-field and I like the challenge of it as well,” he said. Ross said he had no immediate plans for retirement and is planning to keep running out in the famous red-and-whites for as long as his body allows him to. “I never really think too far ahead, you just kind of do it while you can,” he said. “You’re a long time retired is what my old man always said so I’ll just see how we go. “It’s (Kangas) a very young side at the moment and we’re sort of in transition. “It’s been a very different ride the last few years to what I’ve had earlier in the career but it’s a positive one because we’re moving forward now. “I’m enjoying it and just trying to help younger kids develop and get the best out of themselves.” The milestone will come as the Kangas host the Tigers in round six of the GSFL as they try and turn the tables on the reigning premiers who were winners back on Anzac Day in their first clash of 2023.