Great Southern have released their initial squad as they prepare for an exciting quest into division one of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships next month.
A large squad of 51 players has been named by head coach Glynn Verbruggen and his team of selectors as the countdown to the annual championships in Perth continues.
The Great Southern Football League completed a remarkable bottom to top journey last year, winning the division 2 grand final after the previous year taking out the division 3 title.
Their memorable 31-point grand final triumph over Upper Great Southern in July last year, booked their place in division 1 of this year’s tournament.
This year’s initial squad contains some of the competition’s very best players, including Isaac Baum and Morgan Davies and Kleemann Medal fancy Ryley Valli.
Baum and Davies were part of a four-way tie for the Bud Byfield Medal as the division two fairest and best player in 2025 while Valli has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 thus far to continue his stature as one of the best country football midfielders around.
Despite being currently injured, bullocking midfielder Jayden Scott has been named, after he won the medal as best-afield in the division 2 decider.
The GSFL’s leading goal kicker James Charlesworth is another big inclusion as are his Denmark-Walpole teammates Kalin Lane, Zak Pretty and Jayden Woods.
One of the intriguing parts of the squad is the fact veteran Brett Peake has been named, despite not yet playing a game this season.
There is a strong suggestion Peake will play for Albany this weekend.
“The interest has been really strong, good player buy-in,” Verbruggen said.
“I think it has been building on from what we have done in the last two years.
“The boys have been enjoying it and its starting to filter through the competition now that you want to go to carnival footy.
“We are really happy with how the squad has landed and look forward to getting those guys together at the training sessions and see who puts their hand up and is committed to going.
We are excited for the challenge of (division 1) and are focused on getting our best side on the park, getting up there and challenging the best teams
Top side Railways have eight players in the squad, including acquisition Teague Valli and key position star Bodhi Stubber.
Royals have 10 players selected, headlined by new recruits Kane Pinney and Travis Conn while Ryan Lazar, Declan McNamara and Corey Ward are also in.
The Sharks have nine representatives with Addison Dew a big inclusion for the squad’s midfield depth.
A host of Mt Barker’s travelling players are among their 11 members that include brothers Seb and Tristan Ballard who can play key defensive roles.
The winless North Albany have five players named including veteran Matt Orzel, midfielder Ted Batchelor and ruckman Drew Willcocks.
The squad will come together for their first training session at Fitstop Stadium on June 15 from 5.30pm.
The championships will be held from July 9-12 with the Great Southern up against Peel, South West, Goldfields and Avon in their return to the top flight.
Great Southern squad
Morgan Davies, Isaac Baum, Brock Anning, Addison Dew, Cameron Jones, Hudson O’Dea, Taj Williams, Robbie Lee, Brett Peake (Albany), Reagan Hutchinson, Kalin Lane, Zak Pretty, Marlon Mastalerz, James Charlesworth, Jayden Woods, Roc Hughes (Denmark-Walpole), David Stone, Brent Parsons, Camball McMahon, Keane Griffiths, Riley Connelly, Seb Ballard, Tristan Ballard, Dante Wiseman, Jackson Craig, Travis Hartzer, Jacob Sounness (Mt Barker), Ted Batchelor, Matt Orzel, Kobi Keen, Drew Willcocks, Jyrin Woods (North Albany), Milan Jaggi, Mohit Jaggi, Teague Valli, Bodhi Stubber, Jayden Scott, Ryley Valli, Lachie Cale, Ryan Davies, Daniel Thomas (Railways), Declan McNamara, Travis Conn, Ryan Lazar, Corey Linthorne, Kane Pinney, Nathan Powell, Corey Ward, Saxon Henrickson, Nick Ashford (Royals)
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