Country Football WA have selected a 23-man team to play SA Country in the annual State Country match. 

This year's match, set to take place on Sunday in Adelaide, will serve as a curtain-raiser to the highly anticipated Adelaide vs. Hawthorn AFL game at the iconic Adelaide Oval. 

WA Football Commission Country Football Manager, Kane Benson said the team is looking forward to playing on Adelaide Oval. 

“We can’t wait to play on Adelaide Oval as it allows our players to experience football at the top level and play on a top tier AFL ground.” 

Leading the charge for the New Holland Country Football Men’s State team is head coach Michael Griffiths, along with Captain Tom Gorter from the South West Football League.  

The leadership team also includes vice captains Jake Nuich (Goldfields Football League) and Tom Lee (Avon Football and Netball Association) who bring a vast amount of country, WAFL and AFL experience to the team. 

Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships Grand Finalists SWFL and AFNA were rewarded for their efforts with five players from each league being selected including grand final Fairest and Best winner Liam Creighton (SWFL). 

The team boasts five players with AFL experience including Harry Taylor (Geelong FC), Ben Howlett (Essendon FC and Peel Thunder), Tom Lee (St Kilda FC and Claremont), Jayden Schofield (Western Bulldogs and East Fremantle FC) and Tom Gorter (West Coast Eagles and East Perth FC) and many others who have played in the WAFL. 

The New Holland WA Country team is looking to secure back-to-back victories following a convincing 45-point win over the Croweaters last year at Optus Stadium.  

Despite SA leading the head-to-head record 7-3, there is a renewed sense of optimism within the WA camp this year. 

“While historically WA have struggled to come away with a win from Adelaide Oval, we are very confident that we have selected a team that will be able to turn the tables this time around,” Benson said. 

“It’s an exciting time for Country Football WA with so many players making themselves available and playing such great footy at club and league level.” 

The State Country game commences at 11.20am AWST on Sunday and will be live streamed for free on SANFL Now.