Railways and North Albany set to do battle in special Anzac Day clash in opening round of new GSFL season

Railways will be without several premiership players and most likely their head coach as they kick off their title defence against North Albany in the traditional Anzac Day fixture at Collingwood Park on Monday. The Tigers have lost three premiership players in the off-season, while coach Mark Bayliss has tested positive for COVID-19 and the club will wait to see if any players have contracted the virus in the lead-up to the match. Coen Jackman and Xavier Brenton-Reed have both moved to Claremont, while Harrison Hordacre has moved away. Midfielder Jayden Scott will not feature in the match after a suspension in last year’s grand final. Ryley Valli, a recent recruit from Royals, will play his first match for the club. Youngster Milan Jaggi has shown promising signs in pre-season training and is a chance to make his debut in the seventh Anzac Day game. Tigers coach Bayliss said he was looking forward to the historic fixture. “It’s a great opportunity to start the season with a game like this,” he said. “It’s a special day and we are not only representing our families but those who fought for our families. “North Albany will bring a lot more to the table, and knowing Brad (Bootsma), he’ll make sure they are cherry-ripe. “We won’t be fully wound up yet, but this will be a step in the right direction.” The Kangas will also look to field a stack of new faces, with several colts players in contention to make their debuts in the renowned fixture, as well as two new inclusions from other clubs. Alec Haskins from Denmark-Walpole and Jonny Hegney from Trinity Aquinas are the Kangas’ big inclusions for the year. The Tigers have had plenty of success in the Anzac Day fixture, winning four of the six previous meetings between the two clubs. Kangas coach Bootsma said he was anticipating a great contest with Bayliss and the Tigers. “I’ve never played or coached on Anzac Day, so I’m pumped, and we are privileged to be a part of the day,” he said. “I know Bayliss quite well from my early South Fremantle days so that will be good fun, to go up against him. ‘There is no bigger test than a game against last year’s premiers on Anzac Day so I hope we can put up a good show.” Bouncedown is at 2.30pm at Collingwood Park and an Anzac Day Medal will be awarded.