WAFL Squad

Yes you are correct about Murray. Gauci should play but the selectors may prefer the Perth goalsneak Chris Maguire. Andrew Merrington was suprisingly added to the squad last week after a good game against West Perth in the Derby. However, his form hasn't been particularly good overall. Nevertheless, it is tipped that Merrington will play CHF but I would prefer to see Caine Hayes from Subiaco given a try there. It annoys me when players get picked on reputation. To a certain extent, like Merrington, Subiaco's David Robbins was also picked on reputation although he has shown in his 8 games that he has ability. But he hasn't really put it all together just yet. Generally though, the squad was picked on form and subsequently there are a large number of youngsters making their interstate debut. If WA is to win the game, it is the youngsters who may get them over the line. As it currently stands there are 12 players in the squad aged 22 or less. It is an exciting squad and one of the best WA has picked for many years. Over recent years WA squads have created a vast amount of negative discussion amongst the fans but this time around the supporters seem pretty content. Perhaps Simon Rudd & Daniel Maher (Perth), Luke Newick (Subiaco) and Tom Matson (Claremont) can count themselves unlucky not to be in the squad but overall it is a good reflection of form. Hopefully a good crowd will be in attendance. The radio stations and local print media have been covering the build up of the game. Unfortunately, the Fremantle Dockers play at Subiaco Oval against Port Adelaide on the same day, albeit at a later time. WA footy fans are unlikely to attend both matches.

WAFL squad reduced again 14-6-2004 Out: Dylan Smith (Peel) Cameron Gauci (Peel) Kris Miller (East Frem) Tony Bourke (East Frem) Richard Kelly (Perth) Squad is now 26

Subiaco full-foward Brad Smith has been named captain of WA. South Fremantle midfielder Brad Bootsma is the vice-captain.

I'm not sure I like the direction the WAFL squad is going in! For mine, they are cutting the wrong players and keeping some very suspect ones in. Playing players who are out of form, just because they have AFL or VFL experience is frought with danger. :roll: Worried!

Peter Spencer, Karl Langdon and Ian Miller are the three that I am aware of. Not sure if there is one other? When I saw the initial squad, I thought this is good but now with the recent changes, it doesn't look as solid. Luke Newick and Tony Bourke are the leading ruckmen in the WAFL this year but neither are playing. I have question marks over Andrew Merrington, Chris Bossong and Steven Dodd and to a lesser extent David Robbins, although I have no doubt he can play and will be a key player for Subiaco when he hits top form. The WAFL foward line is the key. There is no doubt that it is the strong point of the team. Brad Smith, Chris Maguire, Paul Ridley and Allistair Pickett are all dangerous players and capable of scoring goals. It is tipped that Merrington and Myles Quinn may share the ruck duties and change at CHF, so it will be interesting to see how that pans out. I suppose it is still a better team than 2002 and 2003 so I'm still hopefull but not confident. There seems to be growing unrest amongst some footygoss posters over the number of ex-Victorians that will represent WA on Saturday. The final number could be about 5 or 6 with Merrington, Bossong, Robbins, Brad Murray, Caine Hayes, Joe McLaren and Michael Swan still in contention. Do Vics want to play for WA?

The Final WAFL 22: FF: Butcher, Smith, Robbins HF: Ridley, Merrington, Murray C: Bossong, Beros, Dodd HB: Bootsma, Hunter, McLaren FB: Hayes, Duckworth, Lange Rucks: Quinn, McGrath, Pickett Interchange: Priddis, Salecic, Rudeforth, Swan

The final team turned out ok. My worries have been alleviated to a degree. The selectors have gone with the younger players which is great. The youth is provided by Dodd 20, Murray 22, Salecic 20, Rudeforth 21, Swan 22 and Priddis 19. There is a good amount of skill and or pace in the line-up with Ridley, Salecic, Pickett, Rudeforth, Swan, Priddis and Robbins. Good goalkicking as mentioned earlier with Smith, Ridley, Pickett and perhaps Salecic. WA need big contributions from Merrington and Quinn, both in the ruck and up foward when resting! Its a 50/50 ball game now. Should be a great game.

I think Michael Swan is an excellent player. Its a shame the various scouts dont look more to the senior competitions in Victoria, SA and WA. Swan is a player who has a lot to offer. AFL clubs should be allowed only one player per year aged 18. The rest of the draft picks should be made to come from players aged 20 or older.