West End State Team X-Factors

SANFL Media’s Zac Milbank selects the West End State Team’s X-Factor players ahead of Saturday’s KIA State Game against the WAFL in Perth.

He’s arguably the most decorated midfielder outside of the AFL. 

And Sturt’s star captain Tom Lewis – averaging 29 disposals –  is continuing to stamp his authority on the State League scene after winning his first Fos Williams Medal against the VFL last month.

The frontrunner to be skipper of SANFL’s West End State Team for the clash against the WAFL, the 26-year-old will be ready to lead by example as his side attempts to regain the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup.

The hulking left-footer collected 32 disposals and eight clearances while laying seven tackles against the Big V and will be looking to produce more of the same against the Sandgropers.

Loves winning the hard-ball at the coalface before either farming it out to his fleet-footed teammates or using his raking boot to advantage.

Aaron Francis has been quick to make his presence felt in the Hostplus SANFL League, dominating the air in defence with his new club.

Delisted by Sydney at the end of last season with 84 AFL games under his belt, the 28-year-old has used his experience to his advantage in 2026.

Reading the play superbly, Francis is averaging 25 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s this season.

The former Essendon Bomber is also in the top five for total marks in the SANFL as he peels off his opponent to perfection to intercept.

Comes into the clash with the WAFL with significant form after racking up 32 disposals and nine marks in Round 6 against West Adelaide.

He’s known for his blistering speed and outside running but in 2026, Sturt’s Marty Frederick is adding another dimension to his game. 

As a result of injuries to his Double Blues’ teammates, the 25-year-old has stepped inside the centre square more frequently to have an impact.

Averaging an impressive 25 disposals, four marks, six tackles and three clearances in his six matches this season, Frederick has been one of his team’s best performers this year.

And he’s certainly no stranger to the hard-running, free-flowing style of play associated with Western Australian football after spending a season in the WAFL with Claremont in 2024.

The former Port Adelaide half-back looms as an important piece for the West End State team if it is to reclaim the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup.

WAFL fans will be well versed on what Norwood star Nik Rokahr can produce at State League level. 

Joint winner of the 2024 Sandover Medal, WAFL’s equivalent of the Magarey Medal, Rokahr picks up possessions at will inside the centre square.

The dynamic rover can also cover plenty of territory as he’s displayed with the Redlegs in averaging 30 disposals, five marks, five tackles and five clearances in 2026.

Coming off a starring role in his team’s 103-point win on Saturday, Rokahr will be looking to extend his 100-game milestone celebrations for another week with the SANFL side.

A star with Swan Districts in the WAFL two years ago, the 30-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down as he enters the twilight of his glittering career.

Sturt’s Tom Emmett certainly didn’t disappoint on debut for the West End State Team against the VFL last month. 

The 24-year-old chalked up 18 disposals, seven marks, three tackles and a goal for the Croweaters and his versatility presents as a threat for the Sandgropers.

Measuring in at a deceptive 186cm, Emmett can play close to goal as a lead-up forward or higher up the ground, even on the wing.

The former Fremantle Docker will also be eager to impress as he ventures back to WA, where he played in Peel Thunder’s 2024 WAFL premiership.

Emmett played a total of 29 WAFL games in his two seasons playing across the Nullarbor, so he will be well versed on what’s required for a SANFL victory.