Kia WAFL State Team locked in for SANFL blockbuster

The 23-man Kia WAFL State Team has been locked in ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash against the SANFL at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

There’s set to be six State debutants for WA including AFL Mid-Season Draft hopeful, prolific West Perth midfielder Kane Bevan, Subiaco pair Galen Savigni and Jack Mayo, Claremont spearhead Jaiden Hunter, Swan Districts excitement machine Jiah Reidy and experienced Peel Thunder recruit Lachlan Tardrew.

Fourteen players from last year’s side that ended a six-year drought against the Croweaters at Adelaide Oval to reclaim the Haydn Bunton Jnr Cup have been included, headlined by skipper and East Perth on-baller Christian Ameduri.

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Reigning premiers South Fremantle have the most equal-most representatives with four – remarkably all from their dominant defensive unit including skipper Chad Pearson who’s set to pull on the Black Swans jersey for a sixth time.

Pearson will be joined in the backline by his Bulldogs premiership teammates – former Docker Ethan Hughes, ex-West Coast and Geelong speedster Jamaine Jones and full back Noah Strom.

Pearson has the most State appearances with five, while Swan Districts winger Jesse Turner and West Perth defender Zac Guadagnin have four apiece.

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Claremont co-captain and Sandover medallist Callan England has been named for the first time since 2021 on the back of a dominant start to the season for the unbeaten Tigers.

Every club except for West Coast is represented in the side.

“We’re really comfortable and confident with the entire squad,” second-year Kia WAFL State Team coach Adam Read said.

“We feel like we’ve got good depth of capability. We feel like our main strength is our experience, when you look over the squad, everyone is a seasoned state-league or WAFL campaigner.

“You’ve got Jack Sears who’s our captain at Peel, Christian Ameduri who’s captain of East Perth, Kyle Baskerville at East Freo, Chad Pearson at South and Jesse Turner at Swan Districts.

“Then you’ve got Hughesy (Ethan Hughes) who’s a 100-game AFL player and a strong leader, Noah Strom is a strong leader, Jack Mayo, Stan Wright, the list goes on.”

Western Australia will host South Australia from 3.10pm, with the game live and free on 7 and 7Plus, while tickets at just $10 from INTIX.

The match forms part of an exciting triple-header of representative football including the Kia WAFLW State Team’s clash against the SANFLW and a talent showcase game between the AAMI WA Football State 18s and a WAFL Under-20s side.

Thunder premiership mentor Read said he was “pumped” to coach the State team in front of a home crowd for the first time and urged WA football fans to get along and cheer on the Black Swans as they aim for back-to-back wins.

“I hope there’s a great crowd, I think the whole day has been exceptionally well setup by WA Football,” Read said.

“The triple-header is a great concept. For the majority of our players to play in front of family and friends and represent their State and their league is an incredibly special thing.”

Kia WAFL State Team

B: 18. Ethan Hughes, 28. Noah Strom, 10. Zac Guadagnin

HB: 8. Jamaine Jones, 26. Chad Pearson, 6. Stan Wright

C: 2. Stef Giro, 1. Christian Ameduri (captain), 19. Jesse Turner

HF: 3. Zac Mainwaring, 31. Jaiden Hunter, 4. Joey Hinder

F: 16. Jiah Reidy, 29. Aaron Clarke, 17. Jack Sears

FOLL: 33. Scott Jones, 9. Callan England, 20. Lachie Tardrew

INT: 15. Kane Bevan, 12. Galen Savigni, 25. Austin Davis, 23. Kyle Baskerville, 21. Jack Mayo

EMERG: 11. Scott Tuia, 14. Ryan Borchet, 24. Corey Watts

Game Day Schedule – Saturday May 16

• 10:10 AM - U18s v U20s
• 12:40 PM - WAFLW vs SANFLW
• 3:10 PM - WAFL vs SANFL

Ticket Prices

• Kids (Under 16) - FREE
• Concession - $5
• Adults - $10

(Tickets on sale from INTIX)

Click here for more information on the historic triple-header