GSFL 2024: Albany coach Jamie Ramm is under no illusions after three-figure round one win over Denmark-Walpole

Albany premiership coach Jamie Ramm insists his side remains grounded despite beginning its title defence in the most destructive fashion with a resounding 112-point win over Denmark-Walpole on Saturday. The Sharks owned the game from start to finish, spearheaded expertly by Brett Peake who kicked a bag of seven to steer his side to a sterling 25.10 (160) to 7.6 (48) win at McLean Park. Despite the consummate victory, Ramm said that while the result was welcomed, his side must not be complacent. “The first game of the year is always an unknown so it was great to get a win early,” he said. “It’s hard to tell (what the win means) until we play everyone. “We have to play everyone first before we can jump to any conclusions.” The Sharks disposed of a late-fading Magpies side, booting 16 second-half goals led by Peake (seven goals), Isaac Baum, reigning Kleemann medallist Robbie Lee and Bailey Taylor (all three). “I think the fitness (was the difference) and our side has played together a lot longer,” Ramm said. “To Denmark’s credit, they put a good game of footy out there and it was really contested. “We had a very even spread of players and it is pretty hard to pick the best player, which is encouraging.” Kane Pinney and Bryce Blaszkow (two goals) were also prolific all day in the Sharks’ mammoth victory. Magpies star Tyler Stone was a rare shining light on a gloomy day in Denmark, finishing with four majors, while Ben Olden, youngster Marlon Mastalerz and Ben Atwell fought hard. Magpies coach Brad Nisbett commended his side for their effort and said they showed positive signs in their first hit-out. “We were good for the first three quarters, which was really pleasing, and being competitive throughout is great,” Nisbett said. “We competed well which is the main thing and we stuck to our game plan but we just turned it over too much. “If we can clean up our turnover game and stick to what we have been doing, we should hopefully go alright.”