GSFL 2025: Albany snatch confident round 12 win over North Albany in slippery conditions at Collingwood Park

Reigning premiers Albany made it three wins on the trot as they build momentum towards another finals series in the Great Southern Football League. The Sharks kept their hopes of a top two finish alive with a comfortable 53-point win over North Albany in round 12, to remain one game and percentage adrift of second-placed Mt Barker heading into the final three rounds of the regular season, after recording their ninth win of the season. At Collingwood Park on Sunday, the reigning premiers kicked seven goals to two in the second half to skip clear of the home side. Both teams put up a competitive first quarter in the wet conditions, with scores only separated by one goal at the first break. The Sharks found their stride in the second, adding five majors to their haul despite determined work from the Kangas, with Ned Shepherd kicking three goals before half-time and Ashley Ayles chipping in with two to leave the Kangas 19 points down at the long break. Ayles booted the opening goal of the third term, setting the tone as the Sharks took control and ran away with it, putting up a crushing third quarter to stretch the margin to 43 points with only one quarter left to play. Just as the Sharks seemed to find another gear, the home side’s momentum slowed, and they only managed to add one major and three minors in the third term. Rain and hail returned at the beginning of the final quarter, slowing both teams down as the slippery ground made for a few fumbled marks. But the Sharks kept their edge, adding another two majors while the Kangas only managed to kick one to end the game, with the Sharks emerging victorious 15.12 (102) to 7.7 (49). Ayles, Brett Peake and Shepherd all finished with three majors for the visitors. The Sharks had strong contributions from Shepherd, Kane Pinney, Bailey Taylor and Taj Williams. Sharks coach Roy Addis said the wet and slippery conditions still posed a challenge, but one the Albany side have learned to adapt to during the season. “I’m really satisfied with this playing group, I think they’re well adapted to any playing conditions and I think that definitely showed on the weekend,” he said. “It was a well-fought game, we were strong in our ball movements and our forward entry. “To North Albany’s credit they never stopped the pressure, at times they were the dominant ones in the midfield especially. “I think the season has played out nicely, we’re yet to see where the top three land and who sticks in fourth, so there’s a lot hinging on the last few rounds of competition.” Nick Barrow, Kobi Keen, Drew Willcocks and Jyrin Woods served the Kangas best, in a losing affair while Travis Conn was their only multiple goal kicker. Kangas coach Brad Bootsma said though the final scoreboard didn’t reflect it, he was confident his side was headed in the right direction, and put up a good fight in tough conditions. “We came out and had a very competitive first half, the third quarter was where they broke the game open and pulled away, but I’m definitely happy with the footy we played,” he said. “Our midfield was really strong this week, we just need to work on getting that productivity going forward to kick goals. “We’ve got lots of little goals we’re working on and for the most part we’re hitting them, so as long as we’re hitting those internal goals that’s a win for me, the season is what it is, but we’re definitely pointed in the right direction.”