New Holland State Country Team to take on South Australia

The New Holland State Country 22-man squad has been finalised ahead of their interstate clash with the South Australian Football League this Saturday, July 28, at Adelaide Oval.

The squad includes former AFL duo Josh Bootsma and Jesse Crichton, who were both impressive in this year’s Landmark Country Championships, with Crichton receiving best on ground honours in the Grand Final.

Former Claremont trio Mitch Andrews, Dylan Ross and CJ Oakley will reunite with all three currently playing in various parts of Country WA.

Peel trio Eddy Dann, Brad Holmes and Andrew Haydon will be joined by Sandover Medallist Rory O’Brien in the final 22 whilst Avon’s hot form at the Championships has been recognised with Mitch Gill, Matt Outridge, James Turner, James Venturini, Rob Forrest and Alex Moreno all earning selection.

Great Northern’s Jamie Koric’s is one of a number of players receiving their first State Country jumpers which includes Liam McKenna (South West), Jordan Delbridge (Goldfields) and Daniel Acres (Central Midlands Coastal).

Saturday’s match at the home of South Australian Football will provide WA with their first opportunity to taste success on interstate soil in almost a decade, and a chance to make it back to back victories following their 40-point victory in the corresponding fixture last year at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

WA Country Football League Operations Manager Brent Sheridan is confident the line-up will provide WA with a great chance to make it two consecutive state victories on Saturday.

“This year we have a lot of new faces on paper, though in most cases these guys have been in and around the group during our trial matches and now get a chance to pull on the State jumper which will be a great experience for them,” Sheridan said.

“With the Regional All-Stars a part of the Landmark Country Championships this year, our selectors got to see the likes of CJ Oakley (West Kimberley) and Guy Langdon (North Pilbara) firsthand and we are thrilled that they are able to represent the State.

“This year will be another huge and exciting challenge on the road and we are very driven to ensure that last year’s win wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

“The guys have a chance to represent not only their Club and League but also the whole of Country WA which is incredibly exciting,” he said.

The squad will travel to Adelaide on Friday ahead of their clash with the Croweaters which will be a double-header to Saturday night’s AFL blockbuster between Adelaide and Melbourne.

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