New Holland WA Men's State Country side go down to SA in annual clashSaturday, July 26, 2025 - 9:13 PM - by Jordan McArdle

The New Holland WA Men's State Country team went down to a powerful South Australia outfit in their annual clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday night.

WA had their moments, mainly in the second and final terms, but the Croweaters were far better for longer on the way to a 32-point win 15.15 (105) to 11.7 (73).

After trailing by 25 points at quarter-time, the Black Swans hit back to cut the margin back to 14 late in the second term but couldn’t fully capitalise on their strong midfield work.

South Australia then shifted the momentum in their favour once again with three quick goals before half-time and another shortly after the resumption.

The margin blew out to 47 points by the final change, with WA finishing the game well with the last four goals of the contest to add some respectability to the score.

Goldfields recruit Dustin Walters booted a team-high four majors for WA to be a worthy winner of the Terry House Medal as the State’s best player.

Walters, who has kicked 65 goals in 12 GFL matches for Boulder in his debut season, made the most of his first chance in the black and gold.

Cunderdin midfielder and former Subiaco player Kaidyn Fullgrabe, one of just four players who featured in last year’s game, was also among WA’s best, producing a workmanlike performance in the engine-room and winning plenty of footy.

Williams veteran Simon Panizza battled hard across half-back and fellow defender Morgan Davies of Albany rebounded well and used the ball well by foot, while East Fremantle premiership player turned Collie recruit Luke English had his moments in the midfield.

But South Australia had stars on every line and had the result beyond doubt by midway through the third term.

The traditional rivals are set to face off in Adelaide next season with SA looking for a third win on the trot.

SCOREBOARD

SA 7.3 11.6 14.9 15.15 (105)

WA 3.2 6.4 7.4 11.7 (73)

WA goals: D Walters 4, S Stubbs 2, R Waters, J Clark, Z Trigwell, J Dragovich, B Hill.

WA best: D Walters (Terry House Medal), K Fullgrabe, M Davies, S Panizza, L English.