Regional stars ready to shine for WA Country women’s side in clash with State 18s team at Optus Stadium

The New Holland Women’s Country Football League team will boast an array of talent when they play a representative fixture for the third consecutive year on Sunday.

The State country women’s side will face off with the State 18’s women’s side at Optus Stadium and the clash will also serve as a first meeting between the two teams.

The State game will be played as a curtain-raiser to the AFL clash between West Coast and North Melbourne at Optus Stadium with bouncedown set for 11am.

WA Country coach Gemma Harrison will take the reins as coach and believes she has a immensely talented squad at her disposal.

“We are coming in very strong,” she said.

“We have selected an incredibly talented and determined group of players who I have full confidence in.

“I’ve taken the approach to concentrate fully on our players, structures and processes.

“We have an exceptional group of coaches through each line so will need to adjust our game as it flows.

“We don’t generally have the luxury of placing eyes on players in the opposition team for this format.

“This has been months in the planning, viewing games, watching all regional media and holding various discussions with local stakeholders all helps in producing a well-balanced and high-performing team.

“For me, as the coach, it’s not only the culmination of many hours but also the opportunity to capture and share some of the incredible talent that we have across the country regions.

“These women will demonstrate how far women’s football has progressed but also that they can rival their metro counterparts.”

The WACFL State women’s team played its inaugural match in 2021 against a representative Perth Football League team and faced a PFL team again at Inglewood Oval in Perth last year.

Harrison said she expects a stern challenge from the opposition this year.

“They (State 18’s) are the best of the best so I am anticipating exceptional fitness, silky skills and no doubt a determination to win,” Harrison said.

“All that I can say is that it would be dangerous to underestimate the raw talent and tenacity of our country women.

“They have the entire country football community behind them.

“What can I say about playing at Optus, it’s a dream for all of us, certainly one that will remain in our memories for years to come.”

Players from the Great Southern, South West, Great Northern, Goldfields, Peel and West Kimberley make up the WA Country side.

The South West has the highest representation with nine players while West Kimberley has contributed five.

Rennie Meadmore, Mirrika Councillor and Sheridan Kowald are assistant coaches under Harrison.

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)