Mortlock Ready to Make Their Move at Country Championships

The Mortlock Football League has locked in its final squad for the 2026 Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championships, with a talented mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent set to represent the league with pride.

Operations Manager and Team Manager Jonelle Ballantyne said the excitement surrounding this year’s squad had been evident from the very beginning of the selection process.

“The eagerness of all the players to be involved has been outstanding,” Ballantyne said. “From the initial nominations through to final selection, the commitment, enthusiasm and pride shown in representing the league has been clear. We’ve assembled a great mix of experienced campaigners and first-time representatives, which has created a really positive environment within the squad.”

The Mortlock Football League enters the Championships with a clear objective—to earn promotion back to Division 2.

“As a league, we understand what we’re building towards,” Ballantyne said. “We’re focused on getting ourselves back into Division 2 and becoming strong competitors again. The returning players have a genuine sense of pride in being part of that journey, while the number of new players wanting to represent the league has brought fresh energy into the group.”

Leading the side is first-year head coach Jayden Heuer, who brings more than a decade of coaching experience across the WAFL system, including roles with Peel Thunder, East Fremantle and East Perth, along with his current coaching positions at Aquinas College and Calingiri Football Club.

Heuer believes the group has embraced the opportunity to represent the league and is eager to make an impact throughout the carnival.

“This group is excited about representing the league and wants to be part of helping the league continue to grow,” Heuer said. “They’re an ultra-competitive group.”

In selecting the final squad, Heuer focused on finding the right balance.

“We’ve selected a group that has a really good mix of youth and experience, which I think puts us in a strong position across the carnival,” he said. “Versatility was a key part of our selection process.”

That versatility is matched by the trademark toughness that has become synonymous with Mortlock football.

“Our competition is incredibly competitive, and that develops players who are tough and willing to do whatever the team needs,” Heuer said. Rather than relying on a handful of stars, Heuer expects different players to step up throughout the Championships.

“We believe we’ve got a squad where someone different can make the difference each game. We won’t be relying on one or two players to perform for us to get results.”

Ballantyne said the Championships continue to provide one of the biggest opportunities for players and the wider football community.

“It gives our best players the chance to test themselves against the strongest country footballers in Western Australia,” she said. “We also love that it allows players to build relationships with footballers they would normally compete against. It’s always great to see those friendships form off the field.”

The strength of the Mortlock Football League has been on full display throughout the 2026 season, with Ballantyne describing it as one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

“It’s one of the most even competitions we’ve had in a long time. Every week it’s anyone’s game, and the results have reflected that. Our numbers remain strong across both grades, we’re continuing to develop exciting young talent while retaining experienced players, and it’s fantastic to see local juniors earning their opportunities at league level.”

Beyond football, Ballantyne believes the Mortlock region offers one of the most unique sporting communities in country Western Australia.

“Our Winter Sport model is something we’re incredibly proud of,” she said. “Football, hockey and netball are all played at the one venue on the same day. Across football alone we have Auskick, Nippers, Reserves and League, while hockey and netball also cater for all age groups.”

“It’s a full day of sport for the whole family and a testament to our local clubs. They’re the heartbeat of their towns, bringing communities together on and off the field every week. In small country towns, having families come together like that is something really special.”

With promotion firmly in their sights and a squad full of enthusiasm, the Mortlock Football League will be looking to make a strong statement when the 2026 Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championships get underway in July.