Googs' Gabble – Adam Guglielmana Column State Game

WITH the State game between WA and the NEAFL this weekend I thought it would be topical to have a go at picking a team to represent the WAFL.

It must be said that apart from the vision we watch previous to playing the upcoming opposition we don’t actually get to see a lot of the opposition play, so the team I have picked isn’t so much based on form, but more on what I have witnessed firsthand over a period of time. I have no doubt I have missed some players who are in hot form but have based my selections on who we at South Fremantle put a lot of time into, and those that have damaged us in the past.

I think the all Swan Districts full back-line picks themselves and are a big part of Swans' great start to the year. Justin Simpson is probably the best intercept player in the competition, Tallan Ames the best at tackling the key forwards and Graham Jetta can lock down, or hurt the opposition with his own skills.

Ashton Hams has to be picked, it’s just a matter of where to play him. Given he has spent the majority of his time in defence lately I have slotted him in on a half-back flank, but he could be swung through the middle or up forward.

Dylan Ross is a selection that would raise eyebrows outside of South Fremantle, but claims of bias would be unfounded as he has yet to have more than three goals kicked on him in a game and has found more of the ball than any key back in the league.

Steven Dodd is the final selection of the on-field back-line as he is a great intercept player and can play tall, small as a rebounding defender or as a stopping defender.

The centre-line is very strong starting with Ryan Cook on the wing. 'Cooky' has been in great form this year, I’m not sure how his numbers stack up but in my opinion he’s had the best start to the year since he's been over. Winning plenty of the ball in his own right as well as playing a defensive role some weeks.

Brendan Lee is the best clearance player in the league, he sets up play through handball and is as clean as anyone around stoppages. He also has genuine claims to the captaincy. Bradd Dalziell is a must have, and his hard running and skills would be best utilised on a wing.

The forward-line is where things start to get a bit more challenging. George Hampson has a right to be selected anywhere in the midfield but is also dangerous around goal so I have slotted him in on the half-forward line. 

Tim Geappen is the best centre half-forward in the competition in my opinion and the skilful midfield the state offers would compliment his lead up style.

Ryan Davis is a hard working player who can kick bags of goals on his day. He offers value at ground level and above his head as well as flexibility, perfect for the half-forward flank.

Tony Notte starts in the forward pocket, but can play as a back up ruckman or loose man behind the ball. His marking and kicking skills guarantee his selection.

Ben Saunders is a lock for the full-forward position, capable of kicking big hauls of goals, he gives a bail out option as his marking ability and speed means he doesn’t need perfect disposal to win the ball.

In the other forward pocket I would have Paul Bevan, he has hurt South Fremantle a number of times in the recent past, good on the lead and at ground level he is another experienced player that can give a spark in the forward-line.

Paul Johnson is by far the best ruckman in the competition and needs to be selected. He not only wins most of the ruck knocks, but holds his own at ground level and in the air around the ground.

Haiden Schloithe is the most in-form midfielder in the competition and offers a point of difference in that he can kick goals, tackle and deliver the ball precisely.

Maybe it is because he always plays well against South Fremantle but I rate Brendon Jones in the top two or three midfielders in the competition. I was surprised to learn this week he has never made a State team as I believe he should have played in the last four or five State games. He has been the best player in unsuccessful teams his whole career, which shows he wins a lot of his own ball. He seems to have added another string to his bow, playing behind the ball late in the game last weekend to protect a lead.

On the bench I have Rory O'Brien, the reigning Sandover Medallist has to be rewarded for a great year and can play forward if needed.

Craig Wulff gets selected for his hardness at the ball and the man, he also always seems to grow a leg when the game is in the balance.

Aaron Black is a prolific ball winner and can play in the middle or on a wing, his consistency and productivity sees him selected.

Andrew Strijk is selected on the bench for his kicking skills and flexibility, he can set play up from half-back or play forward and hit a leading forward or kick goals himself.

As I said previously the team I have selected is not based on form, other than the South Fremantle players, as I haven’t seen enough of the other teams to make that judgement. Players were picked with the assumption of full fitness and somewhere near their best form.

I have no doubt the team that has been selected to represent WA will acquit themselves well, and this one was picked, not to provoke argument, but as a fun exercise.

Hopefully it gives the average WAFL supporter an insight into the esteem some of their favourite players are held by an opposition player and teammate.