GSFL 2024: Plenty of changes for Kangas as they aim to hop up the ladder and return to finals action

A developing North Albany has left “no stone unturned” during an off-season strewn with list changes according to coach Brad Bootsma as the proud club aims to get back into the top four. In 2023 the Kangas managed three wins, finishing in fifth place and the club has not played finals since 2020. But the Kangas have been very active throughout the off-season attracting numerous players to Collingwood Park, leaning on their club’s identity as a drawcard in its recruitment drive. “We didn’t really want to leave any stone unturned on who was available and who we could possibly talk to,” Bootsma said. “We’re pretty proud of the club in that we don’t pay players . . . but we try and sell the club for what it is and and who we are. “If there was a player that we knew was available we had a chat with them and we have landed where we are.” The Kangas are forced to fill the void left by four-time Sutton medallist Nathan Crudeli who has gone overseas travelling and talented young key position player Lucas Ravenhill is playing with Claremont. Kiya Jellay (relocating) and Matt Orzel (retirement) also won’t feature in the 2024 Great Southern Football League season. Bootsma believes those losses will open the door for new players to flourish. “Nathan (Crudeli) will obviously be a really hard player to replace and has won our last two fairest and bests,” he said. “But sometimes when players leave it opens up another possibility for someone else, so we’re hoping that happens. “We’ve lost a lot of youth, but I hope that some of these other inclusions we’ve recruited give us some good experience as well.” The club is hopeful about the prospect of former Collingwood and North Melbourne player Marley Williams, one among their extensive list of former AFL players, returning to the club where he started his career having moved back home to WA. Key position player Jake Castlehow returns to the club, alongside defender Barry Roberts from Denmark-Walpole and Brendan Adams (Albany). Lively forward Luke Mowaljarlai returns to Albany after a WAFL stint with Swan Districts last year and is set to ignite the red-and-white forward line with his fearless run and silky skills. Bootsma will be aided by the recruitment of Brock Tiede (Albany) who has previously played at Peel Thunder and will offer assistance as a second set of eyes on the field. “Brock adds a lot of experience from his time at Peel Thunder and he’s got a really good understanding of the game,” Bootsma said. “I think where Brock will help us other than being a highly talented player, I think more on-field coaching will really come to the fore with how we set up and things like that because he understands the game.” Defence has always been a key focus of Bootma’s game plan but the experienced coach hopes to implement more offensive flavour into his side’s play. “Every side I coach you will see a lot of defence towards it, I’m pretty big on building offence from defence,” he said. “A lot of our drive comes from the half-back line so we’re really fixed on trying to strengthen that area, but in the same breath, we need to make sure we’re defending. “I would hope you’ll see a bit more offensive flair from that back half and through the midfield and then try and set the defence from there.” The Kangas have a difficult start to the new campaign as they host Railways in the highly anticipated season opener on Anzac Day before facing reigning premiers Albany in round two. 2023 REWIND Finish: Fifth Best and fairest: Nathan Crudeli Highest Kleemann votes: Jyrin Woods (8) Biggest win: 110 points v Denmark-Walpole Worst loss: 142 points v Albany Highest goal scorer: Graham Ross (37)