State Talent and DraftState 18s Boys continue strong start in trial games
Jordan McArdle
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6 May 2026
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WAFLW coach Jack Schwarze is desperate to make it third time lucky as he leads the side in the Kia state match against South Australia at Sullivan Logistics Stadium next month.
Schwarze has coached Claremont to consecutive premierships in the ATCO WAFLW competition and has a burning desire to add a State victory to his resume.
“It’s a privilege once again and we know the past two years we have been almost there but just couldn’t get across the line so I’m grateful to be given a third opportunity to play my role in getting the WAFLW a win over the SANFLW,” Schwarze said.
“We were satisfied with the way the program was set up last year, from how we selected the team to how we structured the training.
“A huge thank you needs to go out to the Football Managers and Head Coaches of each club for supporting these players to have a month of compromised training in order to fit state training in.
“I think selection this year is going to be significantly more challenging to narrow down to a squad, but that shows how strong this comp is and that excites me for what we could achieve this year.”
Subiaco’s Lisa Steane was WA’s best in last year’s narrow loss to South Australia in Adelaide and will no doubt be in the mix for selection once again this season.
Schwarze has discussed the pros and cons of playing at home and how the side can reverse last year’s result, which was an eight-point win to SA.
“We got a lot right last year but just couldn’t capitalise on a few moments on the day,” he said.
“So, I’m confident in our processes and system to do mostly the same but just a little better.
“However, there will be some slight tweaks to give us every chance to get the win.
“Playing on home soil can certainly be an advantage, however, it does minimise the team connection that is formed when travelling together.
“So that will be a focus as much as our playing style.”
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Three rounds into the ATCO WAFLW season, Schwarze is forecasting a pleasant dilemma.
“I’m getting the feeling early in this WAFLW season that we are going to have some serious headaches putting this team together,” Schwarze said.
“But that’s a great problem to have because the depth of players who are in good form and could easily represent at state level is more than previous years.
“One of the other challenges is the players who are playing well may get snapped up in the pre-season draft and don’t get the chance to play for us.
“But I’m confident in the standard of the WAFLW to be able to produce those players to get drafted while still fielding an incredibly strong state team ready to take the trophy off SA.”
Schwarze will have a strong assistant-coaching panel around him including East Perth WAFLW coach Jenna Allomes, South Fremantle WAFLW coach Pia Faletti, Subiaco WAFLW coach Baker Denneman and West Perth WAFLW coach Clint Degebrodt, while former Fremantle AFLW coach Trent Cooper is chairman of selectors.
The Kia WAFLW State Team clash, which kicks off at 12.40pm on Saturday, May 16, forms part of an exciting triple-header, starting with a talent showcase between the WA Under-20s and WA Under-18s at 10.10am.
The Kia WAFL State Team will then take on the SANFL from 3.10pm, aiming for back-to-back wins after a drought-breaking victory at Adelaide Oval last year, to finish off a massive day of representative football action.
Game Day Schedule – Saturday May 16
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