GSFLW 2025: Denmark-Walpole retain strong core of players in bid to return to finals action in new season

After missing out on finals action last year, a hungry Denmark-Walpole are ready to rise up the ladder in the new Great Southern Football League Women’s competition. The Magpies finished fifth, just one game outside of the top four in 2024 but a more committed squad has coach Glen Burton optimistic ahead of the new campaign. The club will also field a youth girls team in the newly formed competition that will run alongside the GSFLW. Burton said a strong injection of youth has helped build numbers and drive a strong pre-season. “We’ve had good numbers getting down to training,” he said. “We had a lot of youth girls come down so we’ve been able to start that team up as well which is great. “Last year was a really mixed year for us, there was games we needed to win and we didn’t have some key players available. “This year we wanted commitment from players for the whole 10 games. “Everyone is keen and committed and I think we will be contenders for the big one this year.” The Magpies will have to cover the loss of star ball winner Emma Henderson who has moved to Perth but they will keep the majority of their squad from last year. Sophie Coates will remain Magpies captain and Amber Jeeves is the vice-captain. The Magpies will again look to reigning GSFLW best and fairest winner Grace Dempster to lead their midfield while Burton said he is looking forward the emergence of young guns Esme McDonald, Indi Coates-Ahomiro and Matilda McHenry. “Obviously we lose Emma Henderson who has gone up to try out in Perth,” Burton said. “The girls are all keen to go and looking forward to the new season.” The Magpies start the new season against North Albany at Keep The Sheep Stadium before their first home game in round two against reigning premiers Mt Barker.