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Jordan McArdle
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21 Jan 2026
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Peel Thunder premiership coach Adam Read has been appointed Kia State coach for this year’s match against South Australia in Adelaide.
Read, who led the Thunder to Grand Final success against East Perth in his first year as a senior WAFL coach in 2024, replaces Cam Shepherd in the role.
The former South Australian had no hesitation accepting the job.
“WA Football was looking at making a change to the way they appointed a coach this year and when I was approached I was incredibly honored and rapt,” Read said.
“I said yes within about five seconds of being asked.”
Read is acutely aware of arresting a trend of dominance by SA in recent State matches, including a 63-point defeat to the Croweaters last year.
“It has been five losses in a row, so it will be a big challenge for us,” Read said.
“There’s great history between the states so we’ll lean into that.
“I’m someone who grew up on state footy and I remember being in awe of Ron Alexander, John Todd and Ted Whitten who were great advocates for those matches, so to now be part of that history is incredibly special.”
Read’s Assistant Coaches include East Perth’s Ross McQueen, Beau Wardman from Subiaco, West Perth’s Steven Armstrong and Brad Oldfield, Reserves Coach at Peel Thunder.
WA plays South Australia on Saturday, May 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
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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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