Bulldogs coach throws support behind players for state game

SOUTH Fremantle coach Todd Curley will encourage his players who have a chance to represent Western Australia in next Saturday’s state game against Tasmania to grasp the opportunity despite the short break following the Foundation Derby.

South Fremantle takes on East Fremantle in the traditional Foundation Derby on WA Day this Monday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval meaning there is just five days from that until this year’s state game on Saturday against Tasmania at Steel Blue Oval.

That short break has also led to some clubs ruling some star players out particularly from teams who have not had a bye for some time, and don’t have one for several weeks after the state match.

That includes Subiaco who will have played six matches in succession when they take on Peel Thunder on Saturday at Medibank Stadium, and the Lions have four straight games before their bye after the state game as well.

East Fremantle too hasn’t had a bye since Round 3 and has three more games in succession following the state game meaning the five-day break from Monday to Saturday could leave the Sharks lowly represented in the state game.

While those reasons are genuine and could mean that Subiaco and East Fremantle don’t end up with huge numbers in the WA team to play Tasmania, things are little different at South Fremantle.

The Bulldogs have just had a bye meaning the five-day break going into the state game is less of an issue and coach Todd Curley will be more than happy to see his players who are selected to line up for the Black Swans.

South Fremantle currently has seven players in the WAFL’s squad with Ryan Cook, Marlion Pickett, Ashton Hams, Blayne Wilson and Ben Saunders all a chance to add to their state football careers, and Zac Strom and Tim Kelly in the mix to make their debuts for WA.

Having played state football himself, Curley would back his players to do everything right to get up to play on the Saturday following Monday’s derby and in turn not put their place in the Bulldogs team the following Sunday in any jeopardy against Peel Thunder at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

“As a player, I loved the opportunity to play state footy. The decision will be up to the player and we will have a discussion about it, but at the end of the day it’s a great opportunity for them so if they want to play, they can play,” Curley said.

“I think the selectors got it pretty right. It is a pretty big squad and I’m not sure we will have seven that will play but it’s a good feather in the cap for the boys that got the chance.

“Shane Hockey might have got a look in if he might have been here a bit longer or played a few more games, but I think the players they picked is a pretty good reflection on the season.”