Darren Reeves to coach West End State team

By ZAC MILBANK

Dual Glenelg premiership mentor Darren Reeves has been installed as the new coach of the West End State team as it prepares to tackle the VFL and WAFL in 2025.

Replacing departing Norwood coach Jade Rawlings, Reeves will now take charge of the Croweaters after serving as an assistant for the past two years.

Having guided the Bays to back-to-back crowns in his first two seasons at the helm, Reeves’ next challenge will be aided by the support of assistant coaches Paul Thomas (Central District senior coach), Sam Jacobs (Woodville-West Torrens senior coach) and Sam Mayes (North Adelaide development manager).

Thomas will take charge of the midfield, Jacobs, the forwards and the ruck while Mayes will control the defensive structure.

Glenelg senior assistant coach Brett Exelby will act as the team’s bench coach and newly-retired Eagles premiership defender Luke Thompson will be runner.

Speaking on SANFL TV, Reeves said he was looking to build on the unique connection between SANFL players when they unite to pull on the cherished red guernsey for the West End State team.

Similar to last year, Reeves confirmed a smaller-sized squad would be named before the AAMI State Game against the VFL, after Round 2 of the Hostplus SANFL League.

For the second year in succession, the West End State team will make two appearances, beginning with the AAMI State Game to be played at the Tanunda Recreation Park on Saturday April 12 as part of the AFL’s Gather Round festivities.

The venue is familiar to Reeves, who previously coached there in his first major coaching role in charge of the Nuriootpa Tigers for 2014 and 2015.

Reeves guided the Barossa Light and Gawler Tigers to the 2015 A grade premiership, setting him on a path which has since landed him roles with the SANFL’s Tigers, and now, the West End State team.

The Croweaters proved too strong for the Big V when clashing at Stratarama Stadium during Gather Round last year, holding on for a hard-fought 14-point victory to earn their seventh win in past eight starts.

Tickets are on sale now at the link below.

The AAMI State Game – to be broadcast live on 7mate and 7plus – will start at 2.45pm, following the North Melbourne v Gold Coast AFL match at nearby Barossa Park at Lyndoch, providing a footy feast for the Barossa region.

Tickets for the AAMI State Game can be purchased now by clicking here, admission for adults is $15, concession $10 and children under 18 are free.

Another tough challenge will present on the weekend of May 17, when the West End State team hosts the WAFL with the aim of retaining the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup for the sixth match in succession.

SANFL boasts an enviable record against the Sandgropers, winning 14 of its past 17 encounters, including last year’s convincing 63-point triumph.