Western Australia has named its strongest New Holland State Country team in the past decade to take on a South Australian country side at Fremantle Community Bank Oval at 5pm this Saturday, July 29.
The game will be played following the WAFL League match between South Fremantle and West Perth and broadcast live via the West Australian Country Football League Facebook page.
WA Coach Craig Walker is confident that the squad has the potential to turn the tables on their South Australian counterparts and arrest a winning streak which has seen the Croweaters unbeaten in State Country matches against WA since 2011.
“Selecting the squad this year has been the most difficult in my time as coach and trying to settle on a final 22 will be even more difficult which is a great problem to have given the caliber of players that are jumping at the bit to represent the state,” he said.
“We put on a much-improved showing last year but left disappointed that we didn’t get the win. The selectors and I are confident that we can continue on that improvement.”
The WA squad includes some elite performers, with the majority of players all starring at the recent Landmark Country Championships.
Several will also make their State Country debuts in a side that will be captained by former Subiaco player Scott Worthington.
Former AFL listed players Greg Broughton, Josh Bootsma and Brett Peake will add welcome experience, whilst the midfield will feature former WAFL players Stephen Payne, Lewis Harvey, Mitch Boyle, Joel Leeson and Andrew Haydon.
Jurien Bay trio Simon Moore, Rhys Waters and Jayden Magro, who were part of the successful Central Midlands Coastal side at the recent Landmarks Country Championships, are also in terrific form.
Waroona stalwart Courtney Lakay, who will return to State Country football for the first time since 2012, has also been included after winning the Landmark Medal for his performance for Peel in the Division 1 Landmark Grand Final.
Two certain starters in Brad Holmes and Brendan Jones have been forced to withdraw due to injury.
Check out the full line-up below:
