West End State Team finalised for AAMI State Game

8 months ago – April 4, 2024

West End State Team coach Jade Rawlings directs his charges while training at Stratarama Stadium as Harry Boyd watches on. Picture - Ash Rayson

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By ZAC MILBANK

The West End State Team has been finalised for its Gather Round clash with the VFL in Saturday’s AAMI State Game at Stratarama Stadium.

Preparing to face the Big V for the first time since 2016, the Croweaters – coached by Norwood premiership mentor Jade Rawlings – will have as many as six debutants for the clash which kicks off at 12.40pm.

Central District Magarey Medallist Harry Grant, Glenelg premiership midfielder Corey Lyons, North Adelaide utility Karl Finlay and Norwood trio Baynen Lowe, Jackson Callow and Jack Heard will all don the treasured red guernsey for the first time.

Including Lyons, seven of the Tigers’ 2023 premiership team have been selected to play on their home venue at the Bay, headlined by potent forward trio Liam McBean, Lachie Hosie and Luke Reynolds.

Redlegs premiership bigman Harry Boyd – coming off a stunning Round 1 performance – will lead the ruck as he aims to give first look to a star-studded midfield which includes Tiger Matt Allen, Eagle Riley Knight and former Essendon ball magnet Will Snelling, now playing for Sturt.

Woodville-West Torrens premiership defender Joseph Sinor will again lead the West End State team as captain, reappointed after acting as skipper in last year’s win against the WAFL at Adelaide Oval.

Sinor will be joined in defence by vice-captain Max Proud while his Glenelg teammate McBean will be the Croweaters’ other deputy as part of the three-man leadership group.

Central forward Aiden Grace and Sturt defender Will Coomblas will be SANFL’s emergencies.

Nick Hayes and Sam Lowson (Woodville-West Torrens), Boyd Woodcock (North Adelaide) and Tom Highmore (South Adelaide) are former SANFL players lining up with the VFL.

The Croweaters, who triumphed in their last meeting with the VFL eight years ago at Adelaide Oval, boast an admirable record against their Victorian foes, winning six of their past seven meetings with their only loss coming in 2002.