Victor Harbor on track for premiership redemption in GSFL season 2025

One of SA country footy’s strongest outfits has bounced back from last year’s agonising grand final defeat to start the 2025 season undefeated as it aims for its first premiership in over 25 years.

Ben Heaslip, Bryce Gibbs and Jaidan Kappler have all been standouts for Victor Harbor this season.

One of local SA footy’s top sides looks set to compete for a premiership again this year after a one-point 2024 grand final loss.

Great Southern Football League club Victor Harbor, led by the likes of former AFL star Bryce Gibbs and South Adelaide gun Ben Heaslip, has started the 2025 season 7-0 after losing last year’s big dance 68-67 to Myponga-Sellicks in the dying minutes.

The Roos, who lost dual Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon to St Peter’s OC in the pre-season, added a number of names including former South Adelaide and Crows player Jaidan Kappler as well as Whyalla FL gun Clayton Mesecke and have maintained their dominance on the field.

Coached by Damien Cross, the club has been strong in the contest against every opponent and has taken advantage up front to score over 100 points four times so far as it aims for its first flag since 1999.

“We’ve definitely had a strong start,” Cross said.

“There have certainly been some challenges along the way with managing player absences and injuries but we’re happy with how we sit.

Ben Heaslip has been a star for Victor Harbor. Picture: David Mariuz

“To be honest, we probably haven’t quite hit our straps yet and our best footy is still in front of us but we’ve also been tinkering with some game plan stuff and the fact the players have continued to perform and grab wins has been promising.

“They’re a confident group.”

Victor Harbor saw a major uptick in form last season, only losing two games before what was ultimately a heartbreaking grand final loss for the club.

Cross said he was impressed by his team’s attitude after failing to achieve the ultimate success.

“We haven’t necessarily used the loss as motivation but the one thing we’ve built at the club is mateship and our culture.

“We were all disappointed and there was a lot to review and a lot of emotion that goes with that but for everyone involved we reiterated that the result does not change who we are or the progress we have made so far.

Versatile mid/winger Jaidan Kappler has been a major boost for the Roos this season. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“The focus on what we’ve been doing and what we want to grow into has only been stronger.”

The club has also seen continued dominant displays by star players such as Gibbs, Heaslip and Sam Overall.

Heaslip has arguably been the top player in the competition this season and, along with the arrival of skilled speedster Kappler, has helped to fill the hole left by Jesse McKinnon.

“We know what guys like Bryce and Ben bring on the field, they’re fantastic players,” Cross said.

“They bring class and standards off the field and help the younger guys coming through as well.

Former Carlton, Crows and South Adelaide gun Bryce Gibbs. Picture: Ben Clark

“The new guys are also travelling really well and all doing their bit – they’ll continue to come into it as the season progresses.”

While the Roos have passed every test with flying colours, Cross said his team needed to remain grounded and focus on the task at hand each week.

He said the competition was as even as ever but also believed the club could go all the way.

“I know there are conflicting opinions about the league but it genuinely feels like the competition is more even than it was last year – you can’t just rock up and beat any of the top seven sides.

“I’m very confident we can go all the way but only if we bring our best.

“We can be incredibly hard to play against.”