GSFL 2024: Traditional Anzac Day blockbuster between Railways and North Albany to bring in new season

Railways and North Albany are bracing for their traditional Anzac Day clash that welcomes the long-awaited return of the 2024 Great Southern Football League. On a day that holds so much significance for the nation and for Albany, it sets the stage for a salivating encounter between the city’s two oldest clubs. Kangas’ captain Nic Barrow and Tigers’ Ryley Valli have each played in the standalone season opener that always draws a strong and boisterous crowd. Barrow has played in every Anzac Day clash but one and said he relished the opportunity to be able to play in such an important match. “Yeah it’s awesome to be able to play and it means a lot,” Barrow said. “There is a lot of pride playing on that day and it’s really good to run out. “The crowd is always really big and it’s a massive day for us.” The Kangas have started every season since 2019 0-1 but are hoping they can start their season off on a high. “It’d be really nice to get a win off the bat and I think we’re in probably the best state we have been in a few years. “We have a few good blokes at the club and some of the younger guys are stepping up so it’s really good.” “Hopefully we can keep that going at the start of the year and hit the ground running.” Valli will play his second round one blockbuster on Thursday and is eager to soak up the atmosphere on the club’s biggest match of the season. “It’s pretty special to play Anzac Day on round one,” Valli said. “It’s probably our biggest home-and-away game of the year, it’s always a good clash and yeah I’m really looking forward to it.” The 20-year-old returns to Tigerland this season after a stint with Claremont colts and said he was looking forward to helping his side witness more success. “I want to get back to enjoying my footy again and just giving my best for the team,” he said. “I’m committing to having a really good year with my teammates and hopefully we can go far.” Both sides will shape up vastly differently compared to last season with the Tigers, led by co-captains Leighton Smith and Jayden Scott, entering a new youthful phase, while the Kangas have recruited strongly during the off-season. Bouncedown is at 4pm at Collingwood Park, preceded by a reading of The Ode and playing of The Last Post and the national anthem and both teams will wear specially made Anzac Day jumpers. The reserves kick-start the Anzac Day extravaganza at noon, before the 16s at 2.15pm with the colts playing under lights at 6.15pm to close out the monumental day. The competition will get its first look at the Albany Advertiser’s No.1 ranked player in the competition this weekend with Royals coach Darrell Panizza confirming former WAFL star ruckman Brock Higgins will suit up against Mt Barker on Saturday. He will play alongside arguably the best ruck in the competition in Stephen Beal, but it remains to be seen how the pair will share the ruck duties to maximise their performance on the field. In the final game of the round reigning premiers Albany begin their title defence when they travel to McLean Park to play wooden spoon-holders Denmark-Walpole. Both Saturday fixtures bouncedown at 2.30pm.