Country Catch Up: Pav’s Beverley cameo locked in, Saunders’ stunning return, Dusty stars and trophy tour

We take a look at what’s happening in footy around country WA in our weekly column.

Pav’s Beverley cameo locked in

Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich’s Beverley cameo has been locked in for the final round of the Avon home-and-away season.

The Dockers’ all-time leading goal-kicker will lace up the boots for the Redbacks against Quairading at Beverley Town Oval on August 16.

The 43-year-old is making a comeback for a sponsor promotion which has seen several AFL legends help out local football teams around the country.

The Australian Football Hall of Famers isn’t the only high-profile player to feature in the Avon league this year with Brownlow medallist and Collingwood premiership hero Dane Swan playing for York earlier in the season.

It could end up being a shoot-out against the Bulls, who have former St Kilda and Claremont forward Tom Lee at their disposal.

Lee is still kicking bags at 34 years old and recently represented the New Holland WA State Country team against South Australia.

Triple Bernie Naylor medallist’s shock return

Three-time Bernie Naylor Medal winner Ben Saunders is back where it all began, lining up for Mt Barker in the Great Southern competition last weekend.

The former South Fremantle champion, who booted 292 goals in 112 WAFL appearances, kicked eight majors in his first game at any level since 2019.

He led the Bulls to a massive win over Royals and is a boost for their GSFL premiership hopes.

Photo credit: Albany Advertiser

Dusty stars but WA fall short in annual country clash

Gun Goldfields recruit Dustin Walters starred as the New Holland WA State Men’s Country team fell short against South Australia at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday night.

Walters booted a team-high four goals to win the Terry House Medal as WA’s best player in a sparkling debut, but SA were too strong on their way to a 32-point win.

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.

Sullivan Logistics Trophy tour hits the regions

The Sullivan Logistics WAFL trophy tour is heading to regional WA over the next couple of weeks to visit several rich football heartlands.

The first stop of the three-leg trophy tour is Katanning Wanderers Football Club in the Upper Great Southern on Thursday, July 31.

There will be giveaways, a junior football clinic, barbecue, photo opportunities with the trophies as well as a colts game under lights at Quartermaine Oval.

Next week sees the Sullivan Logistics WAFL League and WAFLW trophies head to Pinjarra Football Club on Wednesday evening and Retravision Stadium in Albany on Thursday.

Stay tuned to the WAFL website and socials for further trophy tour updates.