Veteran Defender Named to Captain State for First TimeTuesday, May 16, 2023 - 10:00 AM - by Mark Readings

EAST Fremantle skipper Matthew Jupp will lead Western Australia in Friday’s State match against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

The 29-year-old, who made his state debut last year, has been rewarded with the captaincy after more than a decade in the WAFL and 168 games with the Sharks.

“It’s an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to captain my state," Jupp said.

“Playing state footy is the absolute pinnacle, alongside finals, and to be able to lead this side, filled with stars of our competition, is something I don’t take for granted and will cherish.”

The veteran defender was delivered the news by coach Cam Shepherd.

“He pulled me aside and told me in private and I was humbled and excited," he said.

“Shepp has put a lot of faith in me in the limited time we have spent together, and I value that and look forward to repaying the faith with the way I lead this team.

“It’s a privilege to represent our state, our competition, our teammates, and the WA footy community.

“It’s not about us, it’s about WA and that’s one message this group has been consistent in driving because we want to make the state proud of the black and gold.”

Having held a leadership role at East Fremantle means Jupp is prepared the step up to State level.

“I’ve been captain at East Fremantle for three years now and the experience teaches you that you don’t need to do anything different from what makes you a good leader at club level," Jupp said.

“It’s important to be consistent with messages and performance. This group is filled with champion players, so our biggest impact will be how we unite as a group and get the result.”

While Jupp will guide the team’s defence, he’s looking forward to tracking the performance of one WA key target.

“We’ve kept a lot of the groups from last year’s narrow loss, and we’ve added some exciting talent," he said.

“I’m excited to see how big Jack Buller goes up forward and my great little mate Milan Murdock in the middle.

“It’s so much fun getting to play with the guys you compete against at club level. The ultimate aim is to play as a strong unit and take down the South Australians.”

Swan Districts midfielder Jesse Turner has been named vice-captain.

The Black Swans will take 23 players to Adelaide on Thursday as they attempt to regain the Haydn Bunton Cup.

Shepherd, preparing for his second game as WA coach, is buoyed by the side’s potential.

“We’re happy with the mix of youth and experience in the group,” he said.

“We’ve picked players who are in form and are desperate to represent their state.”

Sandover Medallist Bailey Rogers has been named in the squad but must pass a fitness test at training first.

“There won’t be any risks taken when it comes to having a healthy squad because in high intensity matches like this you can’t have anyone who isn’t 100 per cent,” Shepherd said.

WA has lost its past three matches to South Australia, including a thrilling four-point defeat at Optus Stadium in 2022.

A Black Swans victory on Friday would level the overall head-to-head results between the states at 49 wins apiece.

The State match will be shown live on the AFL App at 1.40pm (WA time) and is the curtain raiser to the AFL showdown between Port Adelaide and Melbourne.