Around The Leagues: Schloithe heralded as Bulldogs great, Jerramungup recruit boots bag, GSFLW decider preview

The Advertiser brings you Around The Leagues, taking a look at football stories of players and personalities from the Great Southern, Ongerup and Upper Great Southern regions. Haiden Schloithe recognised as South Fremantle’s great South Fremantle great and Katanning-raised Haiden Schloithe celebrated a glistening career at the kennel on Saturday, with a thrilling one-point win over Claremont marking his testimonial game. Bulldogs defeated Claremont 10.10 (70) to 9.15 (69), and Schloithe gathered 17 disposals and laid eight hard tackles. Schloithe was offered a testimonial game upon his return to the club following a stint for North Fremantle in the Perth Football League and Katanning Wanderers in the Upper Great Southern Football League to commemorate a storied career at the Bulldogs. Schloithe has played 203 games for the Bulldogs, winning four club best and fairest awards, and a Sandover Medal. The club hosted a president’s lunch which attracted a strong contingent of regional flavour, with numerous former Katanning teammates and opponents of Schloithe attending to celebrate his contributions to the club. Keley boots bag on Eagles debut Jerramungup may have lost their first match of the season, but the competition got their first look at the Eagles’ booming recruit and gun forward Caleb Keley. The former Katanning Wanderers premiership full-forward booted six majors against Lake Grace-Pingrup on Saturday after trading his old yellow-and-black jersey for a new one. Despite being smashed 18.15 (123) to 9.5 (59) by the Bombers, Keley looks destined to be a handful for any key defender who lines up alongside him. GSFLW gears up for big dance between Sharks and Bulls Albany and Mt Barker will jostle for their maiden premiership on Friday when they go to war in the Great Southern Football League Women’s grand final on Friday night. Hosted at Bulls’ home ground Sounness Park, the Sharks will be out to avenge last year’s heartache after Royals downed them in the 2023 decider. The Bulls have enjoyed a meteoric rise this season and have, fittingly, charged into the big dance without showing signs of slowing down. Bouncedown is at 6.45pm on Friday at Sounness Park. Railways hit the summit before season opener Last year’s Great Southern Football League grand finalists have added a quirky spin to their preseason regime under new coach Bodhi Stubber with the squad hiking up Bluff Knoll at the weekend. About 30 players embarked on the journey up the Great Southern’s tallest peak as part of a team bonding session before travelling to Borden for a training hit-out. The Tigers’ first match of the season is just one week away, against North Albany on Anzac Day. Hangover alert! Kojonup have suffered an early dent in their Lower South West Football League title defence after being smacked by 39 points in their opening match of the season. The Cougars were downed by Boyup Brook in their round-two clash, 14.11 (95) to 8.8 (56) at home on Saturday, sparking fears of a dreaded premiership hangover. They will, however, get their chance to bounce back to winning form when they travel to Pemberton to take on Southerners.