GSFL 2023: Railways coach Mark Bayliss praises Albany for historic premiership in wake of grand final defeat

Outgoing Railways coach Mark Bayliss has lauded Albany for their landmark Great Southern Football League premiership victory. Bayliss, who announced in the post-match presentations that he won’t be continuing as Tigers league coach, was full of praise for his counterparts after they won a gripping grand final by 18 points in Mt Barker on Saturday. A sluggish start and their inability to stop the Sharks’ slick ball movement were key parts for the gutting grand final defeat for the Tigers, according to Bayliss. However the dual premiership coach said in the aftermath of the loss, the Sharks simply made the most of their chances in an absorbing contest. “They were quicker than us in the early stages of the game, that helped them get the momentum,” Bayliss said. “Because they pushed back so hard and then ran forward so hard, it caught a few of our blokes out. “We were sort of coming but Sharks hung in there, kept on pushing back, they took their chances and made the most of them. “We had our best side in today and we were beaten by a better side. Bayliss said it was obvious the Sharks were hungry for the ultimate success from the first bounce. “They were quick at the ball, hungry for it,” he said. “Don’t forget they lost last year, they had that passion to win and go one step further. “It was a good old style of footy game, physical and no one gave an inch. “When a side is coming at you, last year we were three goals up and had that breathing space, and this year they were six points up so there was a fair bit of pressure. “I take my hat off to Sharks, well done to (Jamie Ramm) Rammy and the boys.” Despite falling short in the club’s pursuit of a historic three straight league premierships, Bayliss said it had been a successful and enjoyable stint with the Tigers. “It would have been nice to finish off with a three and I’ve made some good friends here,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time at the club, I won’t be lost, I’ll hang around and help out where I can.”