Strong improvement across the board from young guns helps Storm finish runners-up at annual colts carnival

Great Southern Storm coach Darrell Panizza says his side showed significant development from last year as they went on to finish runners-up at this year’s Great Southern Colts Carnival. The Storm were outclassed by a bigger and stronger Peel Cavaliers outfit in Sunday’s grand final at Kulin, losing by 37 points and were held scoreless in the final term. Despite the result, a carnival that produced three strong victories on Saturday and the emergence of the next wave of young stars has Panizza excited. “We have fast-tracked getting back to the top I think,” he said. “We took young kids away last year and came back this year to make the grand final. “So that means we took a big step this year and some kids showed us up they are up to the level. “I think the standard of the carnival was higher than last year and when it came to the grand final, Peel just cut above everyone else.” Panizza said his young group showed great commitment in the build-up and represented the Great Southern Football League with great pride. “Making the grand final was a great outcome,” he said. “Its good for Great Southern footy and shows we are on the right track. “I’m really proud of way players come on from last year. “The kids have all improved and you can see how much better their output was compared to last year.” Midfield stars Teague Valli and Kaleb Germain, spearhead Jaiden Mole and rebounding defender Milan Jaggi were rewarded for stellar carnivals with selection in the Great Southern 20. Panizza also highlighted the performance of defender Joley Graham across the competition. The Storm lost Kaizen Beeck to a broken collarbone while Jarrod Pearce also didn’t play with a heart complaint after the first two games.