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Jordan McArdle
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28 Apr 2026
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The players, coaches, umpires and support staff of the victorious Carlton Draught WAFL State team were feted at a special function hosted by the West Australian Football Commission.
Hon Mick Murray MLA, Minister for Sport and Recreation, attended the function held at Domain Stadium on Monday night and congratulated all involved in WA’s historic 63-point victory over the VFL in Melbourne.
The win was the first for WA against Victoria on their home soil, breaking a 113-year drought that extended across 23 contests since the first State clash in 1904.
Other special guests included WAFC Commissioners, and major sponsors Carlton and United Breweries (CUB), McDonald’s and Seven West Media.
With WAFC Chief Executive Gavin Taylor hosting the event, formalities concluded with an emotional speech from WAFL State team coach Michael Broadbridge, who rated the win as the highlight of his football career.
Broadbridge also reflected on the impressive victory as a significant achievement for WA football, and a great indication that the WAFL as a competition has maintained its strength and integrity.
Photo: Carlton Draught WAFL State team with Hon Mick Murray MLA and WAFC Commissioner Stuart Love.
Photo: (left – right) WAFC Commissioner Stuart Love, WAFL State team coach Michael Broadbridge, Simpson Medallist Ben Saunders, WAFL State team captain Kyal Horsley, Hon Mick Murray MLA.
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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