With more than 50 matches across four days the 2024 Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championships will be a celebration of football in this state. 

Twenty-four sides will compete for championship success, 17 across 3 Men’s Divisions and 7 in the Colts. 

Tommy Lee coached Avon to victory in the 2023 Division 1 Senior Men’s Grand Final and now he’s chasing back-to-back triumphs. 

“The buy in has been unreal so far and every club is putting their best players forward,” Lee said. 

“I think we will have a strong side with a lot of players who played the year before.? 

“I endeavoured to contact the players from 2023 to see if they were keen to play and most have accepted, so we will be about 75% from last year with a couple of handy ring ins which is always positive.” 

Lee is appreciative of the support the side receives. 

“I think the community is growing to love country week again,” he said. 

“The Avon really is getting behind it which is great to see.” 

Despite last year’s victory, Lee has cast his side as underdogs. 

“We beat South West last year who beat us the year before so they will certainly be a threat,” said Lee. 

“As will everyone this year, Peel, Upper Great Southern and Goldfields have a really strong talent pool so I think the competition will be as strong as ever which is great.” 

“If you’re going to win it you may as well beat the best which is what we're looking forward to.”? 

South West claimed last year’s Colts Championship, and coach Brett Maguire is optimistic about another successful campaign. 

“We think we have a good balance across the squad and most of the players have had league experience, and success at colts level,” Maguire said. 

“We have tried to get a spread of players from all clubs,” he said. 

“We think our key position players are a good group, plus we have some very handy small running players this year. 

Player turnover is inevitable at Colts level. 

“In previous years there would be close to a 50% turnover, hence it has been a little bit easier to pick your squad,” he said. 

“The last two years we have found the turnover has increased to by close to 75% turnover. 

“My belief is that over the 10 years that I have been involved the local talent is being recognised earlier, hence our 17-year-old players are transitioning to Perth or work is taking them elsewhere.”?? 

South West beat Great Northern in last year’s decider and Maguire is full of praise for the support the side receives at the Championships. 

I have been involved for some time now and I certainly understand how it benefits the players and the profile of our local competition,” Maguire said. 

“The local community appear to take a lot of notice, when talking to people they know the results and who is playing and in general are wanting success for the teams that are representing their local comp.” 

2023 Nutrien Ag Solution Country Football Championship Winners: 

Div 1?- Avon  

Div 2 – Goldfields 

Div 3 – North Pilbara 

Colts – South West 

The 2024 Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships run from July 11-14. - more information can be found here