Huge coup: Albany home of WA’s third AFL side

Update: The Albany Advertiser is very disappointed to confirm that this story was in fact a fabrication. The reporter, Paul Linyaleg, notified us of his deception at midday and has since been let go.

Albany has pulled off a massive coup with the AFL set to announce the port city as the home of WA’s third AFL side.

Multiple sources confirmed the news overnight, with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan tipped to make an official announcement within 48 hours.

The Great Southern Sharks are expected to enter the league in 2022-23 under a similar draft pick system to the one used by Greater Western Sydney.

The Albany Advertiser understands the recent upgrade of the city’s main football oval was a key factor in the AFL’s decision, along with the region’s rich football heritage.

Albany is home to several current AFL players, including West Coast Eagles premiership star Jeremy McGovern and Geelong young gun Jordan Clark.