State Team Boosted by Inclusion of Star MidfieldersTuesday, May 10, 2022 - 1:27 PM - by Mark Readings

INJURIES have opened the way for two in form midfielders to break into WA’s squad for Sunday’s State match against South Australia at Optus Stadium. 

Claremont’s Ryan Lim and East Perth’s Angus Schumacher have been called up to replace injured Peel Thunder pair Tyrone Thorne and Ben Hancock. 

Lim has been in outstanding form for the Tigers, averaging nearly 34 disposals a game through four matches this season, while Schumacher has been instrumental in East Perth’s promising start to the year, averaging 27 possessions in three games. 

Two-time WAFL premiership coach Cam Shepherd is excited about calling the shots for WA in Sunday’s match. 

"I’m really looking forward to the week and of course game day," Shepherd said.

"With three training sessions we have a chance to gel as a group and give ourselves the best possible chance of winning. "

After a couple of disappointing performances against South Australia, most recently a 53-point loss at the Adelaide Oval last year, Shepherd knows the task ahead. 

"I think there will be two well prepared and organised teams play on Sunday," Shepherd said.

"We know the result in our last match against South Australia wasn’t good enough, so we’ll be doing our best to provide a strong showing." 

The squad will hold an education and recovery session tonight, followed by a full training session on Wednesday, then a light training run and a jumper presentation night on Friday. 

The State game between WA and South Australia begins at midday on Sunday.