Bevan inspired by Murdock’s journey ahead of Kia WAFL State Game debut

West Perth young gun Kane Bevan has taken inspiration from dual State game Simpson Medal winner Milan Murdock’s journey as he prepares his Kia WAFL State Team debut against South Australia at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

The 22-year-old midfielder earned his maiden State call-up after once again taking his game to another level for the Falcons.

The AFL Mid-Season Draft hopeful, one of six debutants for WA against SA on Saturday, said he would love to follow in former East Fremantle star turned West Coast cult hero Murdock’s footsteps into the AFL and believes his story was proof that the WAFL’s best can take the next step to the elite level.

“I was excited to see him get his opportunity,” Bevan said.

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“I think it’s a good thing for the WAFL in general, it goes to show that there are players out there that can make it at the next level.

“He probably thought his chance was almost past him, it’s a credit to his continued body of work and ability to keep fronting up.

“It would be awesome to follow in his footsteps.

After featuring for the WA during the 2022 AFL National Under-18s Championship, the same year he won the Jack Clarke Medal as the EGT WAFL Colts competition’s fairest-and-best player, Bevan was excited to represent his State once again.

Kane Bevan in action during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Vic Metro and Western Australia at Ikon Park on July 02, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

“Anytime you get to pull on the Black Swan and represent your State is a huge honour,” Bevan said.

“It’s one of the goals I set myself over the off-season and to achieve it and hopefully get a win is unreal.

“I’d love the opportunity to play with and against the best players in state-league footy, and most importantly doing everything I can to contribute to a win.”

Bevan’s leadership was also recognised by his West Perth teammates this season when he was voted in as joint vice-captain alongside veteran sharpshooter Tyler Keitel.

“I’m loving it, I’m super grateful to have been voted in as vice-captain of the club alongside a legend of the comp in TK,” he said.

“To get the opportunity to actually lead the boys out for a couple of games while Luke (captain Luke Meadows) was out was very special and something I won’t forget.”

Bevan missed State selection for the Black Swans’ drought-breaking win over South Australia in Adelaide last year, instead producing a best-on-ground performance for the WAFL Under-21s in Perth.

West Perth vice-captain Kane Bevan in action against Subiaco in Round 6. Picture: Belinda Taylor

“It was actually a goal of mine to make the main State squad last year, but I didn’t do enough to get picked,” Bevan reflected.

“Lucky enough I got to play in the 21s game, as well as the year prior.

“I love representing my State no matter the level, so to have progressed from those games and now into the senior side is something I’m very proud of.”

Bevan detailed the work he’s put in during the off-season in a bid to better his game.

It’s showing on the field, with the 192cm talent averaging a career-high 26 disposals to go with five majors in the first six games of the season.

“I’m just continuing to do what I’ve been doing, the work I’ve been putting in has allowed me to improve each year.” he said.

“It’s just a product of a body of work and being really intentional with how I’m training and preparing.

“My ability to use my legs in and out of contest as well as my kicking are the main things I am continually looking to improve, as well as my stoppage craft and defensive pressure.”