Joey Sinor to captain West End State Team

Reappointed West End State Team captain Joey Sinor will honour 1994 State of Origin skipper Chris McDermott in Saturday’s AAMI State Game at Stratarama Stadium. 

Sinor, who captained the Croweaters for the first time in last year’s win against the WAFL, will don the No.10 guernsey in SANFL’s first meeting with the VFL since 2016.

In a nod to McDermott’s tremendous leadership while sporting the same number, the Woodville-West Torrens captain will be joined by Glenelg pair Liam McBean and Max Proud, joint vice-captains, in SA’s three-man leadership group.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said the standalone gesture was timely given it is the 30-year anniversary of one of South Australia’s greatest victories against Victoria, by two points, in front of more than 44,000 at Football Park.

”Chris epitomised what it meant to wear the cherished red guernsey on the national stage – loyal, courageous and uncompromising,” Duldig said.

”So it was only fitting we recognise his outstanding leadership for the State by having Joey wear his beloved No.10 guernsey against the Vics, at a venue which is dear to Chris’ heart.”

McDermott was a special guest at Thursday night’s West End State Team guernsey presentation at Stratarama Stadium, captivating the playing group and staff with his inspiring message.

”I was absolutely honoured when Matty (Duldig) rang to say that the captain would be wearing the No.10 guernsey,” McDermott said.

”But more than that, this is a guernsey that I adore and worship as it means as much to me now as it did 30-odd years ago when I first wore it.

”It has such history and tradition, the fact it has been around for 100 years and has hardly changed, as a player no matter where you are from, to wear it is the greatest honour you will ever get.”

Captain of South Australia’s team which earned a memorable victory against Victoria at the MCG in 1993, McDermott recalled the team’s motivation rose sharply when visited by 1963 SA Captain Bob Shearman before the bounce.

”I remember when I met Bob Shearman,” McDermott said.

”He came in 1993 when we played the Vics at the MCG and he had this imposing physique, so when he walked in the room we were just so grateful he was there to acknowledge what we were trying to achieve 30 years later, after their win in 1963.

”Hopefully in 2024 you can honour the 1963 boys like we did in 1993. Cherish the moment because it could be the highlight of your career when you look back.”

N0w, another three decades on, history is repeating as McDermott’s words of wisdom are soaked in by 2024 skipper Sinor and his charges before facing the Big V.

”This is really special and humbling,” Sinor said upon receiving the No.10 guernsey.

”To be the first guy to wear the No.10 guernsey on Saturday is something I will certainly treasure and never take for granted.

”To hear the stories and history between the SANFL and VFL, it is not lost on all of the players and myself that we need to be all in on Saturday to get the win.”