WA State Country Men’s Team Named for 2026 Interstate Clash with South Australia Country

Country Football WA is proud to announce the 2026 WA State Country Men’s Team that will travel to Adelaide later this month to represent country Western Australia against South Australia Country at Barossa Park on Saturday, 25^th July.

The 23-player squad brings together the very best footballers from country competitions across Western Australia, with players earning selection through outstanding performances in their local leagues, the recent Nutrien Ag Solutions Senior Men’s Championships and the State Program.

Head Coach Craig Otto returns to lead the side, alongside Assistant Coach Troy Lovegrove, as the group prepares to proudly wear the black and gold.

The team will depart next Friday with the support of Elders, the Official Travel Partner of the WA State Country Men’s Program. The partnership ensures players from across regional Western Australia can come together to represent their state, regardless of the distance they travel from their home communities.

After falling short against South Australia Country in Perth last year, the WA State Country side heads across the border determined to reclaim interstate honours.

Otto said the coaching panel had assembled a squad with the talent, versatility and character to challenge the home side.

“This is a group that has earned the opportunity to represent country Western Australia through consistent performances across the season,” Otto said.

“We’ve been able to select a squad with a really good balance of experience, contested football, speed and versatility, while also rewarding players who stood up during the Country Championships.”

“Representative football is something every country footballer aspires to. To pull on the black and gold is a privilege, and these players understand they’re representing far more than themselves. They’re representing their clubs, their leagues and the communities that have supported them throughout their football journey.”

“We know South Australia will be a quality opponent, especially on their home ground, but our group is embracing that challenge. The reality of a State Country program is that our players are travelling from every corner of Western Australia, so opportunities to train together are limited. However, the skill, determination and commitment within this playing group gives me every confidence that we will give ourselves a strong chance of coming away with the result.”

 

The interstate representative fixture will take place at Barossa Park, Adelaide, on Saturday, 25^th  July at 5:30PM, with the WA State Country Men’s Team looking to bring interstate honours back to Western Australia while continuing to celebrate the passion, talent and spirit of country football. Stay tuned for more Game Day information.

2026 WA State Country Men’s Team

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Craig Otto
• Assistant Coach: Troy Lovegrove