GSFL 2025: Hordacre, Davies return for Sharks as Magpies vow to protect young gun Ryan Hick in must-win battle

Albany’s bid for a third successive Great Southern Football League premiership will be boosted by the return of key forward Harry Hordacre and ace midfielder Morgan Davies for their elimination final on Sunday. The Sharks meet a resurgent Denmark-Walpole in the first semifinal at Retravision Stadium, with a place in the preliminary final on the line. Davies and Hordacre were rested for last week’s clash with minor premiers Railways, but Sharks’ coach Roy Addis promised both would be firing on all cylinders for the do-or-die contest with the Magpies. Utility midfielder Ashley Ayles, who was injured in the game against Mt Barker, is out for the rest of the finals campaign but Addis will still have to shuffle his pack to accommodate the returning stars. “One or two will miss out but that is part of our strategy, and they understand,” he said. Magpies’ coach Brad Nisbett promised his side will fight fire with fire if Sharks try to bully his young gun Ryan Hick. Hick was the star of the show as the Magpies dispatched Royals last week to reach the finals, bagging seven majors in a commanding all-round performance. Nisbett agreed Hick had been outstanding against the Lions and said he had spoken to his young star about how to handle being targeted. “He was good against Royals, and I think he might get a defender against him on Sunday,” he said. “I have discussed with him how he can work through that, but we will protect him. For the first time in their history Denmark-Walpole have sides contesting finals in every grade, success on the field coming alongside a season of engaging community activities off it. For Nisbett, it has been his most pleasing campaign as coach. “I think it’s been the most enjoyable of the four seasons I’ve been here,” he said. “We have had the most wins, more than the previous three anyway, and footy is always better when you’re winning.” He is under no illusions that Sunday’s match will be tough, with the loser’s season coming to an end. “They are going to be a difficult challenge, but we will do what we can,” he said. “It helps when you’re able to field your best team and we have no real injuries and a pretty fit list.” Addis said he knew from the first match of the season that Magpies would make finals. “They are well coached and well managed and will go into our game with a fair bit of belief,” he said. “It’s a big, must-win game but I’m comfortable with our squad and have total confidence that we will be all right.”