Happy homecoming for Great Southern Tigers in pre-season visit to the region

Manypeaks-raised footballer Declan Mountford believes Claremont’s pre-season camp in the Great Southern will have his side in top shape for the upcoming WAFL season. After making the grand final last year, Claremont are just 37 days away from their round-one clash with Swan Districts. A senior squad of 50 players from Claremont took part in a gruelling workout last Saturday morning at Normans Beach as part of their three-day visit to the region. Mountford, who was among 12 Great Southern players who attended the camp, said it was a valuable trip home. “It was fantastic to show the boys where I’m from; I have a lot of love for the area and am proud to represent the region,” the North Albany product said. “Any chance I get to talk up the area and show the rest of the boys what clean air looks like, I will take it. “Some parts of the training were very physically demanding but it was a nice change-up from Claremont Oval. “It’s nice when you can look up when you’re tired and see some pristine ocean instead of the same old thing.” Bailey Bennett, who hails from Railways, will be looking to break back into the senior side after failing to play a league game for the club in 2020. Bennett has played 13 league games in his WAFL career but played in the Tigers’ losing reserves grand final team last year. It’s always great to get out of the city, come home to get a breath of fresh air and see the family, which helps to clear the head,” Bennett said. “It always makes it easier to train at such a scenic place like Normans, so I felt it was a great session that everyone got a lot out of. Dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton said he loved the region. “I really enjoyed our time in Manypeaks and Albany; it is a great part of the world that I’d love to get down to more often and be able to explore and fish, and even try poke my head in at the race track,” Bolton said. “Absolutely loved the spot at Normans beach, it’s up there with the best scenery I have experienced, and our coach, Ash, got to show us all up in the fishing department by catching a few salmon and kingfish off the beach. “We got to experience a country game in Albany a few years ago. “I am hoping we are able to come down again soon.”