2023 State Squad Combines Youth and Experience

WA’s quest to reclaim the Haydn Bunton Cup is underway with a 34 man squad named for next month’s State match against South Australia in Adelaide.

Last year’s WAFL Grand Finalists West Perth and Claremont have provided 10 players, while East Perth’s unbeaten start to the season has been rewarded with 5 players selected to take on the South Australians at the Adelaide Oval on Friday May 19.

Former Fremantle Docker Joel Western and Subiaco’s Taj Schofield, son of West Coast Eagles Assistant coach Jarrad Schofield, are the youngest players named at the age of 20.

WA coach Cam Shepherd is confident the players picked will do their state proud.

“The squad we’ve selected has a balance of experience and then some really good young and up and coming players

We’ve rewarded form over a long period of time and looked at players who excel in their positions,” Shepherd said.

With just three rounds completed in the WAFL, the selection process proved challenging.

“It’s always tough picking a side to represent WA as there are many fine players.

We’ve also had to be aware of some players who are injured and will keep an eye on them over the next couple of weeks as well.

The coaching panel met up last week with seven leaders who played against South Australia in 2022 and we want to make sure we’re well prepared.

Our training will include three Monday sessions and then the group will train twice in the lead up to playing South Australia,” he said.

2023 State Squad