2025 West End State Squad announced for AAMI State Game

By ZAC MILBANK

The West End State team could have as many as nine debutants when it hosts the VFL in Saturday’s AAMI State Game at the Tanunda Recreation Park.

SANFL Chairman of Selectors Tim Ginever has released a 26-player squad to face the Big V, as the Croweaters aim to replicate their victory against their arch-enemy at Stratarama Stadium last year.

With dual Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves now at the helm of the West End State team, the Bays have eight players named in the squad including possible debutants Cam McGree, James Bell and Jonty Scharenberg.

North Adelaide could have four players don the cherished red guernsey for the first time, including former WAFL star Angus Schumacher, two-game ruckman Alex Van Wyk, Dyson Hilder and Ewan Mackinlay.

Sturt’s rebounding defender Flynn Perez and West Adelaide ball magnet Kobe Ryan could also make their first start in the clash which will begin at 2.45pm.

Former West End State captain Jack Hayes, from the Eagles, could make a welcome return for the Croweaters while last year’s dual Fos Williams Medallist Jez McLennan is Port Adelaide’s sole representative.

The West End State squad will be trimmed to a 23-player team on Thursday with a new leadership group set to also be announced.

A main training session will be held at Prospect Oval on Wednesday night before a captain’s run, and guernsey presentation dinner, is conducted at Stratarama Stadium on Thursday.

The AAMI State Game – to be broadcast live on 7mate – will follow the North Melbourne v Gold Coast AFL match at nearby Barossa Park at Lyndoch, providing a Gather Round footy feast for the Barossa region.

Tickets for the AAMI State Game are available at the link below, adults are $15 and concession $10. Free entry for children aged under-18.