2026 West End State Squad announced to face VFL

By ZAC MILBANK

The West End State team could have as many as 15 debutants when it seeks redemption against the VFL at Stratarama Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A 30-player squad has been released to face the Big V, as the Croweaters aim to turn the tables against their arch-rival after succumbing by 11 points in Tanunda last year.

With triple Sturt premiership coach Marty Mattner back in charge of the West End State team, the Double Blues have a league-high eight players named in the squad including possible debutants Jed McEntee, Tom Emmett, Zac Becker and Sam Conforti.

Norwood’s star recruit Aaron Francis and Eagles surprise packet Ethan Grace are among the fresh faces in the Hostplus SANFL League this year who could also don the cherished red guernsey for the first time.

Redlegs captain Jacob Kennerley, West Adelaide tall Tom Scully, Bulldogs utility Luca Whitelum and South Adelaide pair Oscar Clavarino and Ollie Davis could also make their first start in the clash at the Bay.

Dual Fos Williams Medallist Jez McLennan is Port Adelaide’s sole representative with every team except for Adelaide having players chosen for the 2.30pm contest which will be staged as part of Gather Round’s Festival of Footy.

The SANFLW State team will kick off an action-packed day at Brighton Road against the Vics at Noon while Slowdown 20 will follow at 6pm.

The West End State squad will be trimmed to 26 players on Thursday, when the leadership group will be announced, with 23 to line-up against the VFL.

West Adelaide mentor Nathan Bassett has been confirmed as the latest addition to the assistant coaching panel, which also includes head SANFL coaches Sam Jacobs (Eagles) and Jarrad Wright (South).

A main training session will be held at Footy Park on Wednesday night before a captain’s run is conducted at Thomas Farms Oval on Thursday.

Tickets for the State Game are available at the link below, adults are $15 and concession $10. Free entry for children aged under-18.