Nardia Humphries and Georgina Lilford selected in WA women’s State country side for clash at Optus Stadium

Talented Great Southern Football League duo Nardia Humphries and Georgina Lilford will pull on Black Swans jumpers for the first time when they take part in a State women’s game on Sunday. Humphries and Lilford, who both play for Royals, have been selected in the New Holland Women’s Country side that will face off against the women’s State under-18 side at Optus Stadium before the AFL match between West Coast and North Melbourne. Both played an integral role in the Lions’ 28-point win over Albany in the GSFLW grand final earlier this year. Lilford said it has been a short turnaround as they prepared for the game on short notice. “We’ve only really had three weeks to prepare, if that, and we’ve just started our GSFL training, which is handy so we have something to train before,” she said. “My fitness isn’t an issue because I play hockey. “I got a text, and at first I thought it was a text for State hockey and then I realised it was for footy and I was a bit shocked, to be honest. “I think they (under-18s) are going to be really fit but I’m hoping we can get over them with skills and experience.” The Great Southern duo will be joined by players from the South West, Great Northern, Goldfields, Eastern Districts, West Kimberley and Peel. The South West has the highest representation in the team, with nine players selected, while the West Kimberley has five players. Humphries said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to play for the State Country outfit after missing out last year. “I’m nervous and excited at the same time — I was very surprised,” she said. “Last year I was selected but I wasn’t able to go due to other commitments, so to actually travel this time will be good. I’m looking forward to it. “It’s all pretty unknown, we will get to have a training session on the Saturday with all the other girls to get to know them. “I think it’s really cool that we’re playing at Optus Stadium this year. I haven’t played at a stadium like that before.” This will be the first time the State Country Women have played the State 18s side, with the match also being used as a preparation for the under-18 Girls’ 2023 AFL National Championships. New Holland Country State Women’s team Emma Borinelli (Busselton/South West) Emilee Beven (Brigades/Great Northern) Jasmine Johansen (Railways/Great Northern) Jessica Giudice-Nairn (Brigades/Great Northern) Jessica Boulton (Mines Rovers/Goldfields) Jess Verbrugge (Donnybrook/South West) Katie-Jayne Grieve (Busselton/South West) Lacey Holdsworth (Donnybrook/South West) Maddy Obal (Busselton/South West) Natalie House (Ports /Eastern Districts) Rachel Wright (Harvey Bulls/South West) Rennie Meadmore (Busselton/South West) Mia Dronow (Busselton/South West) Tegan Brooks (Broome Towns/West Kimberley) Tess Hall (Pinjarra/Peel) Georgina Lilford (Royals/Great Southern) Tui Wineti (Cable Beach/West Kimberley) Dynella Tripi (Towns/West Kimberley) Sophie Moore (Towns/West Kimberley) Taneika Handley (Donnybrook/South West) Ellie Blackmore (Towns/West Kimberley) Nardia Humphries (Royals/Great Southern) Gemma Dix (Brigades/Great Northern)