Storm show good signs in futures

The Great Southern Storm produced a gallant performance in their first-ever WAFL futures fixture, losing to the South West Talent Academy by 48 points in Manjimup on Saturday.

Playing in place of Claremont, the Storm trailed by just 15 points at three-quarter-time before being overrun in the last term of their special fixture.

Great Southern talents Tristan Ballard, Carson Flower, Ryan Lazar and Luke Mowaljarlai Jr were named in the best players, along with Claremont metro player Brodie Ginbey, who was one of three players that helped top up the Storm side.

The Storm trailed by a goal at quarter-time and conceded five majors in the second term to fall 19 points behind.

However in the third term the Storm fought back, scoring three goals to two in an encouraging sign before the South West took hold of the game on their way to a 19.10 (124) to 12.4 (76) result.

Ballard booted five goals in a lively display and Lazar chipped in with three majors.

Storm head coach Glynn Verbruggen said it was a fantastic experience for their entire program. “It was really pleasing the boys represented the Great Southern really well,” Verbruggen said.

“To be in the game at three quarter-time, two goals down, shows we are competitive at that level. The South West have a really strong program that feeds three different WAFL clubs and have a large population.

“With our performance we’ve cemented our spot in the futures program and we’ll definitely be involved with Claremont in this competition moving forward.”