2023 State Squad Combines Youth and ExperienceMonday, April 24, 2023 - 10:29 AM

WESTERN Australia'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 five 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, are the youngest players named at the age of 20.

WAFL State Team 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," Shepherd said.

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

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," he said.

"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."

2023 State Squad

Brendon AH CHEE (South Fremantle)

Kyle BASKERVILLE (East Fremantle) 

Tom BLECHYNDEN (South Fremantle)

Hamish BRAYSHAW (East Perth)

Jack BULLER (Claremont)

Mitch CROWDEN (East Perth)

Cam EARDLEY (East Fremantle)

Oliver EASTLAND (Claremont)

Ben EDWARDS (Claremont)

Brandon ERCEG (Swan Districts)

Stefan GIRO (Subiaco)

Zac GUADAGNIN (West Perth)

Ben HANCOCK (Peel Thunder)

Scott JONES (East Perth)

Matthew JUPP (East Fremantle)

Tyler KEITEL (West Perth)

Leigh KITCHIN (Subiaco)

Jonathon MARSH (East Fremantle)

Toby MCQUILKIN (South Fremantle)

Luke MEADOWS (West Perth)

Teia MILES (Claremont)

Jimmy MILLER (South Fremantle)

Milan MURDOCK (East Fremantle)

Jackson NELSON (West Coast Eagles)

Chad PEARSON (South Fremantle)

Noah PEGORARO (West Perth)

Bailey ROGERS (Claremont)

Taj SCHOFIELD (Subiaco)

Angus SCHUMACHER (East Perth)

Angus SCOTT (East Perth)

Michael SINCLAIR (Perth)

Ben SOKOL (Subiaco)

Jesse TURNER (Swan Districts)

Joel WESTERN (Claremont)