GSFL season preview 2022: Raft of changes for North Albany who aim to be more competitive under Brad Bootsma

New coach Brad Bootsma believes change will be a positive thing at North Albany as they look to improve on a disappointing 2021 campaign. The Kangas finished as wooden spooners last year, winning only two games and they made a change in the off-season with outgoing coach Leigh Hislop replaced by premiership-winning mentor Bootsma. Bootsma was a key part of the Kangas’ dominant period in the 2000s, winning four straight league flags from 2005-2008 and he was a player-coach in two of those triumphs. But Bootsma has a big challenge ahead at Collingwood Park as he takes over a club decimated by player losses. Star utility Luke Cameron will miss the season after sustaining an ACL injury last year, talented young pair Heath Ravenhill and Rhori Williams-Jolley are playing in the WAFL, Jack McPhee is having a year off footy and the likes of Jacob Crowe, Darcy Norman, Lachy Hansen and Harry Smith also won’t play. The Kangas will be boosted by the return of quality defender Alec Haskins, from Denmark-Walpole, and the acquisition of gun midfielder Jonny Hegney from Trinity Aquinas. Bootsma said despite the heavy player turnover, he was confident some fresh ideas would rejuvenate the Kangas side. “It’s certainly testing, there is some quality in those outs,” he said. “To be honest though from what we’ve lost, I still think we’ll be competitive. “A change of coach, change of personnel, some new philosophies and game plan might improve things a bit. “I’ve said from day dot, if you do the work you will get rewarded. I don’t care how talented you are, it’s about your attitude. “I think we need to fix some of the poor things from the past, nothing against the previous coach, but it’s player stuff. “I know it is country footy but I’m not one for taking shortcuts.” Bootsma said youngster Kobi Keen was ready to take another step in senior footy while Nick Barrow had enjoyed an impressive pre-season. “Coming from last, our goal is to win as many games as we can,” Bootsma said. “If that lands us in the finals then so be it ... the boys are really keen and committed and want to give it a crack. “We have to take stock of what we’ve lost and we haven’t gained much so for me it’s about putting our best foot forward. “The pre-season has been good, the boys are really keen and committed and want to give it a crack.” Regan Lloyd will again skipper the Kangas, who kick off their new campaign with the Anzac Day clash on their home turf. NORTH ALBANY 2021 finish: Sixth Captain: Regan Lloyd Coach: Brad Bootsma Gains: Alec Haskins (Denmark-Walpole), Jonny Hegney (Trinity Aquinas), Josh Dallimore, Jackson Cosh (Albany), Travis Conn (returning), Brodie Sumich (returning) Losses: Luke Cameron (injury), Jack McPhee, Rhori Williams-Jolley (Claremont), Heath Ravenhill (Claremont), Caleb House, Darcy Norman, Harry Smith, Heath Spinks, Jacob Crowe, Jordan Pinner, Leander McQuade, Lachy Hansen, Lewis Stratico, Jeff Fitzpatrick One to watch: Jonny Hegney – comes with big wraps and expect him to play a really big role in the Kangas’ midfield. Will be one of the competition’s best players. Cam’s Call: Tough year ahead for the Kangas who have been smashed by omissions. Brad Bootsma is the man for the job and they’ll surprise a few teams.