WAFL State Squad announced

THE West Australian Football League has announced an initial State Squad for this year’s game against the North East Australian Football League in Sydney on Saturday, May 24.

The game will be played as a curtain raiser to Greater Western Sydney and Richmond AFL game at Spotless Stadium.

West Perth premiership coach Bill Monaghan will coach the side after leading the Falcons to the WAFL flag last year.

He will be assisted in the role by Aidan Parker, Gavin Brown and Craig Smoker. The Chairman of Selectors is Ross Parker.

The initial squad will commence training at Patersons Stadium on Monday, May 12 and also train at Fremantle Oval on Monday, May 19 and at Patersons Stadium on Wednesday, May 21.

Players will be added to or removed from the squad based on form and fitness in the lead-up to the game, with a final side to be named at a jumper presentation following training on Wednesday, May 21.

The final squad will fly out on Thursday, May 22 for the game at 10am on Saturday, May 24.

WAFL Manager Cameron Knapton said the WAFL viewed interstate contests as an integral part of football development.

“The WAFL, in partnership with the WA Football Commission, is committed to providing the opportunity for its league players, coaches, umpires and officials to achieve State representation,” he said.

“This will ensure that every WAFL participant aspires to represent the State each season, which is a great incentive for our competition.”

WAFL STATE SQUAD

Claremont – Luke Blackwell

East Fremantle – Brad Dalziell, Steven Dodd, Thomas Howlett, Jamie McNamara, Brock O’Brien, Rory O’Brien, Andrew Stephen.

East Perth – Paul Johnson

Perth – Paul Bevan

South Fremantle – Ryan Cook, Ashton Hams, Ben Saunders, Haiden Schloithe

Subiaco – Lachlan Delahunty, Chris Deluca, George Hampson, Chris Phelan, Wayde Twomey

Swan Districts – Tallan Ames, Blaine Boekhorst, Ryan Davis, Tony Notte, Justin Simpson

West Perth – Jay Van Berlo, Jordan Jones, Chris Keunen, Kody Manning, Shane Nelson, Laine Rasmussen