2022 State Squad Released

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL selectors have released a new-look, 38-player West End State Squad to confront the WAFL in Perth on Sunday May 15. 

With the Croweaters’ first training session under coach Jade Sheedy set to kick off at Thebarton Oval on Tuesday night, the initial list of those poised to tackle the Sandgropers at Optus Stadium has been finalised.

2021 Grand Finalist Glenelg has seven players named but the surprise packet is Norwood, with last year’s qualifying finalist also having seven selected, including six potential debutants such as ruckman Harry Boyd, forward Ben Jarvis and midfielders Jacob Kennerly and Nik Rokahr.

Sheedy’s reigning Eagles premiership squad will supply six players, including star midfielders Riley Knight and Joseph Sinor, livewire forward Daniel Menzel and former Brisbane Lions giant Connor Ballenden.

North Adelaide has five players chosen, Sturt and South Adelaide four each and Central District three while AFL-experienced key position pair Tom Keough and Kaiden Brand represent West Adelaide.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Sheedy said selectors – headed by Chairman Stephen Rowe – had opted for a larger squad this year due to so many players being in strong form.

North Adelaide coach Jacob Surjan will continue as one of Sheedy’s assistants while Norwood mentor Jade Rawlings and Bloods senior assistant Adam Hartlett have joined this year’s West End State coaching panel as it seeks to retain the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup.

The initial West End State squad will be trimmed to 23 players after Round 6 of the Hostplus SANFL League, ahead of the final two training sessions in the week leading up to the clash.

If form warrants, players can also still be added to the squad within the next fortnight.

A new State captain will be named in the final week, with last year’s skipper Jack Hayes now on St Kilda’s list.