Country week scouts to keep a keen eye on preseason warm-up as GNFL launches all-stars clash

With the commitment to return to country week this year, the Great Northern Football League has launched a preseason all-stars encounter to help selectors get an idea of who to keep an eye on this year.

The best GNFL footballers will be able to showcase their skills and stake an early claim for country week selection, two weeks out from the 2023 season proper; with three preseason all-stars matches at WA Country Builders Stadium on Saturday, April 15.

It is hoped the GNFL all-stars preseason encounters will become a regular feature and reward the players from across all seven clubs that have impressed with early form and a high work rate.

The GNFL has moved quickly to renominate their senior side for country week in July, a competition they have not been a part of since 2019.

The afternoon kicks off at 2.30 pm with the women’s contest and the sides will be coached by the GNFL women’s coach Nathan Johansen and his assistant Daniel Starling.

The colts will follow at 4.30 pm with GNFL colts coach Jason Graham taking an overview of the teams coached by senior GNFL coaches Corey Foot and Aaron Thomas.

The day will culminate at 6pm under lights with the senior contest, the Activewest Real Estate All-stars taking on the Gerald Apartments All-stars.

The sides will be coached by recently appointed GNFL senior coach Leith Teakle and GNFL/AFL favourite, Harry Taylor.

Over the past six months a hard-working GNFL subcommittee of country week past players, coaches and administrators have been working to reinvigorate the GNFL’s country week campaign in 2023 and into the future.

Towns Football Club president Jeremy D’Mello and his committee have also been very supportive and have accommodated the GNFL by getting the all-star concept up and going in 2023.