GSFL 2024: Royals ruckman Nathan Powell to play 150th league game in rousing grand final against Albany

Royals workhorse ruck Nathan Powell will play his 150th league game for the club in the biggest match of the season when they take on Albany in the grand final on Saturday.

One half of the Lions dominant ruck duo this year, Powell has been a constant in the league side, making his Great Southern Football League senior debut in 2013.

Lions coach Darrell Panizza said it was excellent reward for a brilliant club person that has been consistently dependable on and off the field.

“What a fantastic achievement for a great bloke to have at your footy club and genuinely a good guy,” Panizza said.

“Last time I coached Nathan, I think he came runner-up in the fairest and best and he’ll be in the fairest and best votes this year as well.

“He’s just a person that you can rely on.

“He knows what you want, he knows what he can give, and he gives that every week.”

Powell has been a shining light this season for the Lions, despite the off-season recruitment of ex-WAFL star Brock Higgins.

For much of the season in the absence of Higgins, who has played a handful of games, and injury to fellow big man Stephen Beal, Powell has shouldered much of the Lions ruck load.