Dual WAFL Premiership Coach Honoured to lead WA Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 1:44 PM - by Rachael Osborne

Two-time Peel Premiership coach Cam Shepherd will lead the WAFL State team in 2022. 

Shepherd has been appointed head coach after a successful nine-year career with Peel Thunder. 

“I am honoured to be appointed State Coach and I cannot wait to get down to work. 

I have always been proud of the standard of the WAFL, and it is going to be exciting to put together a squad which will be extremely competitive. 

Every player should strive to play at the next level, so we are expecting a strong commitment from those who are selected,” Shepherd said.  

After the alignment between the Fremantle Dockers and Peel began in 2013, Shepherd was responsible for delivering the club’s first WAFL finals appearance in 2015, before leading the Thunder to consecutive Premierships in 2016 and 2017. 

Shepherd looks back with great fondness at his nine seasons with Peel. 

“Over time, we managed to develop our young players and form a close relationship with Fremantle. It was very pleasing to go from a perennial cellar dweller to a respected club in the WAFL,” Shepherd said. 

Scott Baker, Executive Manager WAFL & Talent at the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) is delighted Shepherd accepted the offer. 

“Cam brings vast experience and in-depth knowledge about the WAFL competition. 

He has wonderful relationships with many senior people and coaches in club land which is a huge focus as we look to get them more involved in the program this year,” Baker said. 

Shepherd replaces Michael Broadbridge, who finishes after four years in the role. 

“The WAFC would like to thank Michael for his terrific contribution as the State Coach throughout his tenure. We are grateful for his enthusiasm and passion for State footy, it was first class,” Baker said. 

“We would also like to acknowledge and thank Geoff Valentine for stepping in as coach last year at late notice, in very challenging circumstances.” 

WA is scheduled to play South Australia in May this year at Optus Stadium as a curtain raiser to West Coast versus Melbourne.