2017 Carlton Draught WAFL State SquadFriday, May 5, 2017 - 9:01 AM

An initial Carlton Draught WAFL State Squad has been named for this year’s State Game against the Victorian Football League (VFL) at North Port Oval in Melbourne on Saturday, May 27.

The game will be broadcast live in Perth on Channel 7 from 12pm WST on Saturday, May 27.
 
WA coach Michael Broadbridge and assistant coaches Paul Johnson, Steve Malaxos, Clay McLernon and Garry Moss have selected a squad of 37 players to participate in the State program over the next three weeks.
 
Broadbridge said players had been selected in consultation with their WAFL coaches based on current form in the roles that would be required to tackle the VFL at North Port Oval.

 “We’re obviously expecting a certain style of play from the VFL on that ground so we’ve taken the approach of selecting players in the roles we’re likely to need,” Broadbridge said.
 
“We’ve been out watching players at the WAFL each week and all of the senior coaches have been very supportive and given us great feedback on which players are in form in the roles we need and who is most worthy of consideration.
 
“Overall, with the size of the ground at North Port, the opposition, and the chance it could be a bit slippery means we’re looking at players with bigger bodies who are strong over the ball and strong at the contest, which we’ll look to compliment with a bit of flair.
 
“We’re also looking at players who we think can adapt well, have some experience playing in the conditions against similar opposition and are mentally strong.”
 
The squad includes the greatest representation from the teams in the top four positions on the ladder, with nine players from South Fremantle selected, seven from Subiaco, six from Swan Districts and five from West Perth.  
 
Broadbridge has also assembled a coaching panel with a blend of youth and experience to lead the 2017 Carlton Draught State Squad.
 
“I’ve tried to get a balanced panel with good pedigree and strong ambition,” he said.
 
“Paul Johnson has been one of the best WAFL and State players in recent years, Garry Moss is a former AFL and WAFL player looking to enhance his coaching credentials, Clay McLernon is a WAFL Premiership player doing a fantastic job with the East Fremantle Colts and Steve Malaxos really balances it out well with his experience as a WAFL coach and as a player at State level.
 
“We are all really committed and looking forward to the challenge.”

Photo: 2016 State Game Simpson Medallist Jye Bolton is one of three players selected from Claremont for this year's squad. Photo: MM Photography

Carlton Draught WAFL State Squad

Coaches
Michael Broadbridge - Coach
Gary Moss - Forwards
Steve Malaxos and Paul Johnson- Midfield/Rucks
Clay McLernon- Backs
 
Schedule
Monday May 8, 5.30pm - Training/Recovery session at Fremantle Oval
Monday May 15, 6pm - Training/recovery session at Domain Stadium
Monday May 22, time TBC - Training/recovery session. Venue TBC
Wednesday May 24, 5.15pm - Main training session. Venue TBC
Thursday May 25, 2pm – depart for Melbourne
Friday May 26, time TBC – Training session at North Port Oval, Port Melbourne.
Saturday May 27, 2.15pm* – WA v VIC at North Port Oval, Port Melbourne
 *local time

WA State team travel is arranged by Lexus Travel, the WAFC's preferred travel partner.