The Great Northern Football League is hoping for a strong return to A-section at this year’s Landmark Country Championships.
They have been promoted following a resounding 10 goal win over Mortlock in B section last year.
GNFL coach John Sims says they are looking forward to taking on the dominant Upper Great Southern FL in their first match of the carnival. UGSFL has won 10 of the past 11 Landmark Championships.
“It’ll be a good yardstick for us,” he said.
“It’s much better to come up against them in the first match when we’ve got our strongest team out there and they are hyped up for the start of the carnival.
“I’m very confident we can make a good run at them.”
Some fresh talent in the region is no doubt adding to Sims’ confidence. Arguably the strongest ruckman in WA country football, Jeff Smith, is performing well in the local competition as are WAFL players Justin Wilson (EF) and Alan Coomey (EF). All have been invited into the squad.
“We’ve currently got a squad of 47 and there’s a good blend of players in there,” said Sims.
“We’ve got some good little runners and some height among the stronger players as well.”
Sims says the key to a strong performance will be commitment.
“Last year’s big win created a lot of hype and we’ve got players who are really keen to participate,” he said.
“When I first took over as coach four years ago there was trouble attracting players to go to Perth.
“The selection panel has worked really hard to change that culture that was coming through and now players know they have to earn the right to represent their town.
“What I need from them now is commitment.”
The 2011 Landmark Country Championships are on in Perth from July 14-16 at grounds around Perth.
The West Australian Country Football League General Manager, Cameron Knapton, says the carnival will retain the format it introduced last year with six leagues in A-section.
“Six teams fighting it out in the top grade makes for an interesting competition as essentially every game is live,” he said.
“A poor start in the opening game could see you playing to avoid relegation.”
Lower South West Football League will take on South West Football League in the opening game of A- section at East Fremantle on Thursday, July 14 from 12.05pm. Great Northern Football League will meet Upper Great Southern at the same venue from 2.10pm. Peel will clash with the Goldfields at Arena Joondalup at 2.10pm.
Semi Finals will take place at Fremantle and East Fremantle ovals on Friday.
Picture: Great Northern Football League captain Tim Jardine and coach John Sims after winning the B-Section grand final at last year’s Landmark Championships.
