The WACFL has announced a 30 man New Holland State Country Squad ahead of next Saturday night’s interstate clash against South Australia at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. Head Coach Craig Walker and his selection panel finalized the squad following the Landmark Country Championships earlier this month.

A number of players will make their State Country debuts in a side that will be lead by Captain Scott Worthington and Vice-Captain Brendon Jones. Former AFL players Greg Broughton, Josh Bootsma and Brett Peake bring significant experience to the squad.

2016 members Worthington, Jones, Matt Orzel, Lewis Harvey, Matt Dickie, Brad Holmes, Eddie Dann and Jordan McAllister return to the squad of 30 that includes Jurien Bay trio Rhys Waters, Simon Moore and Jayden Magro who were also part of the successful Division 2 Central Midlands Coastal side at the recent Landmarks Country Championships.

Walker is confident that the squad has the potential to turn the tables on their South Australian counterparts.

“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 chomping at the bit to represent the state”.

“We put out 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 and ensure that the silverware stays in WA.”

The final 22 will come together next Friday evening, 28th July, for a training run and jumper presentation ahead of the clash the following evening at 5:00pm following the South Fremantle and West Perth WAFL fixture.