Former WAFL Champion To Represent WA CountryThursday, July 20, 2023 - 12:15 PM

2017 Sandover Medallist Haiden Schloithe makes a return to State football when the New Holland WA Country Football Team faces South Australia at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

The five-time South Fremantle fairest and best winner is currently playing with Katanning in the Upper Great Southern Football League after a decorated career with the Bulldogs in the WAFL, which included a Premiership in 2020.

WA coach Brendon Simpson is excited about what Schloithe brings to the team.

“He’s a massive in for us and his experience will be fantastic for the playing group,” Simpson said.

“I would see him being dangerous up forward and hopefully hitting the scoreboard a few times.

“We’ll also look to use him as an impact player and he’ll simply value add to our strong midfield set up.

“We have a few household names that should excited the crowd, but importantly, we have players who’ll fly under the radar and do some damage if SA don’t pay them enough attention.

“Our spread and depth is a real bonus so I’m expecting exciting footy to be played by all 23 players who get a game,” he said.

Simpson is comfortable with the mix of youth and experience in the squad.

“They’re all hungry to wear the state jumper, and we have a nice blend of pace, height, and strength,” he said.

“There was another half a dozen players knocking down the door come selection time so it’s nice to have depth which puts us in a good position.

Simpson feels honoured to have received a late call-up to coach in Kane Benson’s absence.

“I think if you have coaching in your DNA and you love it, you are always ready,” Simpson said.

“Yes, it was a late call-up, but I was involved in the selection process so I’m across all the players and their capabilities.

“I’ve been a League coach with Quairading FC and Kalgoorlie City FC, and have been a representative coach with Avon and Goldfields.

“In regards to this program, I’ve been involved as a selector, assistant coach, chair of selectors and now head coach.

“As a true country lad it certainly means a lot to coach the team and I can’t wait to be at Optus Stadium with this great line up of players representing our regional footy family,” he said.

Former Geelong champion Harry Taylor will miss the match for WA after pulling up sore from the Country Championships last week, but the two-time Premiership hero will still play a role on game day as an assistant coach.

WA is out to win back the State Country Football Cup, which South Australia claimed last year in Adelaide.

“Of course I’m going into Saturday confident because I have the best of the best from regional WA,” Simpson said.

“No excuses from my end I can promise you that!

“We came second last year in SA, so squaring the ledger is high on my priority list.

“A lot of effort goes into the program and making this weekend’s game possible.

“Therefore, as a group we won’t be leaving any stone unturned when it comes to getting the job done.

“We all take wearing the state strip very seriously and will be giving it the effort it deserves,” he said.

The State Country match begins at 2.50pm at Optus Stadium and will be a curtain raiser for the Fremantle Dockers showdown with the Sydney Swans.

You can watch the State Country match on Streamer here.