Strong-willed Coomblas set to reach 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

Will Coomblas could have been forgiven for giving up on playing in the Hostplus SANFL League at the end of 2018. 

A member of Sturt’s U18 premiership team in 2017, the utility suddenly found himself back at junior club Unley Jets unable to find a place in the Double Blues’ reserves.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 27-year-old revealed he was warned by football manager Chris Trapp that he may not have a place on the senior list in 2019.

Instead, Coomblas went to work by making the most of his last chance in 2019, making his League debut in Round 4 in front of a huge crowd at the Bay on Good Friday.

It was enough of a taste to keep the reliable defender hungry as he managed just one League appearance in 2020 before his breakout campaign in 2021.

After playing a total of 57 Reserves matches, Coomblas hasn’t appeared in the seconds for the past five seasons while establishing himself as one of the most respected backmen in the competition.

Making his debut in the West End State team in 2022, Coomblas is now considered a regular at State League representative level.

Measuring in at a deceptive 193cm, he has an ability to play on tall and small forwards whilst working well with fellow Double Blues defenders Luke Edmonds and Casey Voss.

The chartered accountant is now eager to celebrate his 100th Hostplus SANFL League appearance with a victory against Adelaide at Thomas Farms Oval.

Not only is Coomblas having his personal milstone recognised, he is aiming to play his part in Sturt becoming the first team since Port in 1914 to progress through the minor round undefeated.

This will provide his side with the ideal platform to attack the major round, having missed out on premiership success in 2023 and 2024.