Carlton Draught WAFL State Squad announced

The West Australian Football League has selected an initial Carlton Draught WAFL State Squad of 41 players to represent the WAFL against Tasmania at Steel Blue Oval on June 11.

The squad includes at least one player from every WAFL club and has the strongest representation from current ladder leaders South Fremantle, Subiaco and East Fremantle.

Carlton Draught WAFL State Coach Darren Harris, who led the WAFL to a 44-point victory over the SANFL in last year’s State Game, said he was very impressed with the quality of players selected.

“There are so many WAFL players in great form at the moment and this has allowed us to put together a very strong list. We’ve gone with quite a large squad initially and can still add to that if players show outstanding form over the next few weeks,” he said.

“There are two reasons for the large size of the squad – firstly we’re conscious that six WAFL teams will be playing games on the Monday leading into the State Game and secondly, there are so many players worthy of selection.

“It was fantastic last year to see the buy-in from our WAFL players. They were very passionate about representing their State and it wasn’t compulsory to play. We wanted those players who were totally committed and it is the same this year.

“We will end up with those players in our final side who really want to play for their state and deserve to, based on their form. That will give us the best opportunity for success against Tassie who will bring a very strong side.”

WAFL Manager Cameron Knapton congratulated all of the players selected in the squad and thanked Darren Harris, his assistant coaches and Subiaco Football Club for providing support staff.

“Everyone has been really supportive of the program again this year and we’re looking forward to hosting Tasmania in what should be an exciting contest,” he said.

The WAFL squad will train four times in the lead-up to the game, with a final training session and jumper presentation to be held at Steel Blue Oval on Thursday, June 9.

CARLTON DRAUGHT WAFL STATE SQUAD

Claremont – Darcy Cameron, Jye Bolton, Ryan Neates.

East Fremantle – Matthew Watson, Jamie McNamara, Brett Peake, George Hampson, Liam Anthony, Andrew Stephen, Brock O’Brien.

East Perth – Kyle Anderson, Paul Johnson.

Peel – Josh Bootsma.

Perth – Jared Bell, Aidan Tropiano, Clint Jones.

South Fremantle – Blayne Wilson, Marlion Pickett, Ryan Cook, Tim Kelly, Ashton Hams, Ben Saunders, Zac Strom.

Subiaco – Clancy Wheeler, Lachlan Delahunty, Declan Jackson, Aaron Heal, Kyal Horsley, Adam Cockie, Leigh Kitchin, Chris Phelan, Hamish Shepheard.

Swan Districts – Tony Notte, Justin Simpson, Matt Riggio.

West Perth – Luke Meadows, Andrew Strijk, Steven Browne, Jay Van Berlo, Aaron Black, Shane Nelson.

COACHES

Darren Harris – Coach

John Dimmer – Forwards

Craig Smoker – Midfield

Mark Foster – Midfield

Geoff Valentine – Backs

Matt Guadagnin – Bench

Brett Barber – Chairman of Selectors

Corey Johnson – Runner

Brent LeCras – Runner