GSFL season preview 2022: Royals ready to challenge again despite the loss of a number of key players

Royals will look to promote players within their own club to give them more league experience in the 2022 Great Southern Football League season. A bid for a third straight league premiership fell short for the Lions last year, as they went down to Railways by 28 points in the grand final. The Lions will have to cover for the key losses of game-changing half-back Jordan Heil, former WAFL star Steven Edwards, veteran defender Rhys Jones and youngsters Cooper Childs and Ryley Valli. Last year’s Charlie Punch Medal winner from the reserves Zak Mola will play league given the increase in player points the Lions can field this year. Nick Ashford and Corey Linthorne will both return to their former club and they are confident in getting more games from the likes of Joel Flick, Declan McNamara and Coel Hunter. Lions coach Andrew Ruck said it was exciting to be calling on the strong depth in their colts and reserves as they continue to develop young talent. “Like other clubs we have probably lost seven or eight guys to Perth,” Ruck said. “Younger guys at the club, but there is not much you can do about that. “The aim is to try and play our youngsters, us and Railways are in the same spot with the points. “We’ll get some of those ressies boys up playing league footy and some of our best colts and get some games into them and see if they can mix it with the stronger sides in the competition. “That’s the challenge, but I think it will be a good one.” Heil has returned to Narrogin while Edwards has cleared to Wongan Ballidu in the Mortlock Football League and after a terrific time in blue and white. Jones, a former captain and 200-gamer, has retired. Valli has made the switch to the Tigers and Childs is playing for Claremont in the WAFL. Brayden Parker will again lead the Lions’ league side and they still boast an array of stars including Jayson Ford, reigning Kleemann medallist Cameron Allison, dominant swingman Hamish McMorran and tall Stephen Beal. Ruck said his side had learnt plenty from last year’s grand final defeat. “(Pre-season) has definitely been a challenge but we’ve just got to march ahead and play footy,” he said. “I think we should be competitive but we’ve definitely come back to the pack a little bit. “This will be a great opportunity for our younger guys. “It was an 80-point turnaround in the grand final so that re-ignites the fire and it’s a good wake-up call for our boys.” The Lions are on the road in the opening week of the season to face Mt Barker and host the Retravision Stadium derby against Albany in round two. ROYALS 2021 finish: Runners-up Captain: Brayden Parker Coach: Andrew Ruck Gains: Nick Ashford (returning), Corey Linthorne (returning) Losses: Steven Edwards (Wongan Ballidu), Jordan Heil (Narrogin), Ryley Valli (Railways), Rhys Jones (retired) One to watch: Ben Altus – played 12 games last year but is ready for a breakout season. Can find the ball and uses it so well, one of the best young players getting around. Cam’s Call: Have lost a number of vital players from last year but discount the Lions at your own peril. Might have a slow start but will be there when the season gets serious. Can still challenge for a premiership.