Central Wheatbelt Football League Ready to Build on Momentum at 2026 Country Championships

The Central Wheatbelt Football League will head to the 2026 Country Football Championships with a youthful, well-balanced squad eager to showcase the strength of football across the Wheatbelt.

Entering Division 3 of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Senior Men’s competition, the CWFL has assembled a group that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent, united by a strong sense of pride in representing their clubs, communities and league.

Returning for his second campaign as coach, Tyson Rowling believes the balance within the squad is one of its greatest assets.

“The balance across the squad really stands out, along with the excitement the players have about representing the CWFL and playing alongside the league’s best talent,” Rowling said. “We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth, with a healthy balance of returning players and new faces. It’s a relatively young group this year, with only one player over 30… sorry Mitch!”

That youthful energy has been evident throughout preparation, with Rowling impressed by the way the group has quickly developed its style of play. “Our ball movement and skill level are real strengths,” he said. “Watching the boys train together has shown how quickly we can move the ball and the quality of our skills when we’re playing our brand of football.”

While the squad features plenty of emerging talent, Rowling believes experienced campaigner Mitch Foote will play a pivotal role.

“Mitch Foote is someone I’m really excited to have back in the yellow and black. He’s put in a mountain of work to get himself back into great fitness and form,” he said. “He might be the oldest bloke in the squad, but don’t let that fool you. He’s more than capable of taking a game away from the opposition.”

At the other end of the experience scale, defender Callum White is another player expected to make an impact. “Callum White is one of the younger players in the squad, but he certainly doesn’t play like it. I’m looking forward to seeing how he matches up against some of the best forwards in country football.”

One of the feel-good stories within the squad belongs to Kaden Reynolds.

“He hasn’t been playing football for very long, yet he’s earned his place in the CWFL squad,” Rowling said. “It’s a credit to the work he’s put in, his commitment to improving, and the effort he’s shown both on and off the field over the past few years.”

From a league perspective, representative Chelsea Scott said the pride shown by players throughout the selection process has been a standout.

“What excites us most is the pride and commitment our players have shown to earn selection,” Scott said. “We’ve got a great mix of experienced country footballers and younger players who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity. In small communities, representing your league is a huge honour, and we know this group will wear the jumper with pride and represent not only the league, but all of our clubs and towns.”

Despite the challenges of country life, the squad’s commitment has been unwavering.

“The players have embraced the opportunity from day one,” Scott said.

“Despite the travel involved and balancing work, farming and family commitments, the attendance and enthusiasm at training has been outstanding. Everyone understands what it means to represent the league, and there’s been a real sense of mateship and pride building throughout the squad.”

Scott said Country Championships remains one of the biggest events on the football calendar for the region.

“It’s the highlight of the football calendar for our league. It’s an opportunity to showcase the quality of football played in our region while bringing our communities together to support local players on a bigger stage,” she said.

“In small country towns, everyone knows someone in the team, so the whole community gets behind the squad. It’s something our clubs, volunteers and supporters take enormous pride in.”

She also believes the CWFL continues to punch above its weight.

“Our league continues to be in a strong position. While small country leagues always face challenges around player numbers, the standard of football remains highly competitive, with passionate clubs and committed volunteers driving the game forward.”

“Our players are tough, resilient and love representing their communities, which is reflected in the quality of football played each week.”

For Scott, it’s the unique connection between football and community that defines the Central Wheatbelt.

“Our clubs are run by volunteers who wear many hats, and football plays a vital role in bringing people together,” she said. “The distances between towns might be large, but the sense of community is even stronger. Players, families and supporters all contribute, making country football about much more than what happens on the field—it’s the heartbeat of our small towns.”

With a talented young list, experienced leaders and a community firmly behind them, the Central Wheatbelt Football League will be looking to make its mark when the 2026 Nutrien Ag Solutions Senior Men’s Country Championships get underway.