North Albany preparing for life without star midfielder Matt Orzel and a host of senior players

North Albany Football Club is planning for life without star midfielder Matt Orzel, who is among a host of senior omissions for the upcoming 2020 Great Southern Football League season. New coach Leigh Hislop confirmed that former Kleemann medallist Kris Ericson, gun midfielders Ray Padfield and Alex Pearce, dominant ruckman Stuart Parker, tall utility Jacob Hobbs along with Hamish Bigwood and Brodie Sumich will join Orzel as omissions for the Kangas this year. But the Kangas will look to cover those losses with the return of young guns Addison Dew from Claremont and Alan Barnett medallist Jack McPhee from overseas while Taj Williams and Connor Spinks are also back. Orzel has had a number of top-five Kleeman medal finishes, is a multiple best-and-fairest winner and had a decorated WAFL career. Parker, Hobbs and Orzel all finished in the top five of the Kangas best-and-fairest voting last season. Hislop said due to the revised season schedule, some players may return. “It is hard to gauge at this stage where we are at as a team due to an interrupted pre-season, but I believe we will be competitive,” he said. “Post COVID we have picked up some good talent. “Other clubs probably don’t put us in the mix but I am a firm believer that on any given day, a side with the right attitude and mindset can win. “NAFC are a strong, proud and successful club.” Hislop said the GSFL can be commended for organising a football season for 2020. “Numbers have been limited on the track due to work schedules but we are starting to see good numbers and we need football,” he said. “During the earlier stages of COVID, segregated groups and oval zones was a challenge. It is great that we have scheduled games so that we can finally have a hit-out for four premiership points. “Mentally the players are ready, playing 10 games with no break after a reduced pre-season will test all clubs physically.” The former Swan Districts player said senior figures such as Luke Cameron, Nathan Crudeli and Regan Lloyd have led from the front. “We are fortunate that we have a strong senior leadership group that can assist with the development of these players,” Hislop said. “I have learnt that the club has many players of experience finish up over the last few years, with a new coach and transitioning playing group. “It will take a while to find our feet, but we’re confident that we can be competitive, while giving our younger brigade some experience at playing on the big stage. “We are country football, so we go out on game day and give it our best, and then at the end of each game, we shake hands and have a beer together.” The GSFL season starts on July 11, with the Kangas facing Railways first-up.