If today’s intra-club was anything to go by, people will have plenty to talk about as GCFC’s debut VFL season unfolds.

‘No heroes today,’ yells senior coach Guy McKenna. He blows a whistle and it’s on.

The two big rucks go at it. Perhaps fittingly, local recruit Rory Thompson wins the tap.

Across the entire playing field, speed is a feature. Leg speed. Speed of ball movement. Closing speed in defence. Speed on the chase. End to end, everything is lightning quick.

Run and carry is another highlight. The players are brazen with ball in hand, but not in a heart-in-mouth way. Fact is, they' simply showing the confidence youth and backing their innate skill. The slick hands of Roland Ah Chee around the stoppages and Liam Patrick’s athleticism and agility stand out.

A kick floats over the top of marking contest, just beyond the reach of a frustrated defender. His opponent marks.

‘Keep defending! Do not stop!’ spits assistant coach Shaun Hart.

The goal’s missed.

For the few frenetic minutes that follow the kick in the ball zings back and forth up and down the park. Ball carriers are harassed. Players go in hard. It’s all pretty impressive stuff. Eventually a goal is snapped. Another whistle and the players huddle.

‘Good effort, boys,’ shouts McKenna.

For this casual observer, he was spot on.