Pearce and Gaerth to bolster Magpies for Kangas clash

Denmark-Walpole will unveil prize recruit Clancee Pearce and regain key midfielder Ryan Gaerth when they take on reigning premiers North Albany at McLean Park in round 2 of the Great Southern Football League season on Saturday afternoon.

Pearce will make his long-awaited debut for the Magpies after missing their opening round win over Albany with a heel complaint and his inclusion, along with the return of Gaerth, will significantly boost the home side’s chances of an early season upset.

Former Claremont reserves player Jaden Guidi has rejoined the Magpies after most recently playing for Kojonup, and will come straight in to the league team, but defender Lee Gropp will again miss out with a hamstring injury.

Magpies coach Matt Candy said his side were primed for the first home game of the season.

“Gaerthy will be in along with Clancee, he’s good to go and will definitely be here this week,” Candy said.

“We have got just about everyone back. The boys have trained well this week and are really eager and keen to see if we can topple North Albany.

“North are a good outfit, though, and they’ll be getting better, no doubt.”

The Kangas will make a couple of changes from their round 1 team with Regan Lloyd, who started forward on Anzac Day, unavailable for the trip to Denmark.

Nathan Komene is his likely replacement and youngster Braden Retallack will also come into the team, while Kangas are confident of regaining defender Adam Ditchburn from a calf injury.

Kangas coach Craig Dew confirmed midfielder Michael Trevenen, who played reserves for Claremont in 2014, has joined them from Wickepin but will only play reserves against the Magpies.

In the other round 2 fixtures, Railways and Mt Barker will both chase successive wins when they clash at Tigerland on Saturday while in the standalone Sunday game co-tenants Royals and Albany meet at Centennial Stadium.