GSFL 2023: Quarters shortened to 20 minutes for rest of league season to assist struggling Denmark-Walpole

League matches involving the struggling Denmark-Walpole will be shortened for the rest of the 2023 Great Southern Football League season. GSFL chair Terry Eaton confirmed Magpies league games would be capped at 20 minutes and there would be no time-on across each quarter in the remaining 10 rounds of the season. The move comes amid the Magpies’ difficult start to the season, losing all five games in the league competition while struggling for senior players. Several players in the colts and reserves have been forced to double up and also play league on the same day across the first few weeks of the season, just so the Magpies can field a team in the top competition. The Magpies are languishing at the bottom of the GSFL ladder and have suffered four losses by 100 points of more already this year. Last Saturday in round five at McLean Park the Magpies and Railways agreed to shorten quarters to 20 minutes but the home side still went down by 110 points and kicked only two majors. The GSFL met club presidents last week to discuss possible options to help out the Magpies and all were in agreement to shorten the length of games. League games are officially 20 minutes plus time-on but capped at 30 minutes. Eaton said a couple of other measures to help the club were tabled and they were awaiting response from the Magpies before implementing anything else. Another likely scenario is that winning margins will be capped at 60 points in Magpies games. “We have put two or three scenarios on the table and (Denmark-Walpole) are going to come back to us,” Eaton said. “All the presidents have agreed to play 20-minute-flat quarters with no time-on. “Maxing out at a 60-point win and a couple of other small things have also been discussed. “When clubs are in a bit of trouble we like to help out. “We are encouraging clubs to support them, flick them a couple of players in the reserves if they need. The last thing they need is 28-30-minute quarters because there has been 10 or 12 goals kicked because there is a lot of young blokes doubling up.” Denmark-Walpole president Tyrone Kennedy said his club was struggling for players and had a small group of volunteers doing a lot off-field. “The shortened quarters is not a bad idea as we do have a few blokes doubling up,” Kennedy said. “As every club do, but in a perfect world you wouldn’t, but we are doing it just so we can field two senior teams. “It’s not from lack of trying (recruiting players) but we only have 19-20 local blokes in town who want to play footy. “Realistically we might be a one-team town with our population but this is a countrywide issue, not just a Denmark thing. “For us it’s about the kids and we want them to have the opportunity to play footy, that’s why the doors are still open.” The Magpies will play Albany in round six at Retravision Stadium on Sunday while on Saturday, North Albany will host Railways and Royals will travel to Sounness Park to take Mt Barker.