South Fremantle star Tom Blechynden picked in WA State squad, Great Southern pair overlooked by selectors

Hardworking South Fremantle midfielder and Pingelly product Tom Blechynden is again in the mix to pull on State colours. Blechynden was named in a 34-man WA squad last week as they prepare for a clash with South Australia for the Haydn Bunton Cup later this month. The 23-year-old Brookton-Pingelly product is averaging 25.5 disposals in the first four rounds of the new WAFL season. Blechynden was picked in the initial State squad last year but didn’t make the final team. Angus Dewar (Subiaco) and Declan Mountford (Claremont), from Ongerup and Great Southern respectively, made the initial squad in 2022 and Dewar made the final cut. Both have been overlooked by selectors this year. Last year’s WAFL grand finalists Claremont boast six players in the squad including mid-season draft prospect Jack Buller, Oliver Eastland, Ben Edwards, Teia Miles, Bailey Rogers and former Docker Joel Western. Reigning premiers West Perth have four players named: Zac Guadagnin, Tyler Keitel, Luke Meadows and Noah Pegoraro. South Fremantle, East Fremantle and East Perth have five representatives in the squad, while Subiaco have four and Swan Districts two. West Coast WAFL captain Jackson Nelson is the club’s sole representative, while Peel’s Ben Hancock and Perth’s Michael Sinclair are the only Thunder and Demons players selected. “The squad we’ve selected has a balance of experience and then some really good young and up-and-coming players,” WA coach Cam Shepherd said. “We’ve rewarded form over a long period of time and looked at players who excel in their positions. It’s always tough picking a side to represent WA, as there are many fine players. “We’ve also had to be aware of some players who are injured and will keep an eye on them over the next couple of weeks as well.” 2023 STATE SQUAD Brendon Ah Chee (South Fremantle) Kyle Baskerville (East Fremantle) Tom Blechynden (South Fremantle) Hamish Brayshaw (East Perth) Jack Buller (Claremont) Mitch Crowden (East Perth) Cameron Eardley (East Fremantle) Oliver Eastland (Claremont) Ben Edwards (Claremont) Brandon Erceg (Swan Districts) Stefan Giro (Subiaco) Zac Guadagnin (West Perth) Ben Hancock (Peel Thunder) Scott Jones (East Perth) Matthew Jupp (East Fremantle) Tyler Keitel (West Perth) Leigh Kitchin (Subiaco) Jonathon Marsh (East Fremantle) Toby McQuilkin (South Fremantle) Luke Meadows (West Perth) Teia Miles (Claremont) Jimmy Miller (Claremont) Milan Murdock (East Fremantle) Jackson Nelson (West Coast) Chad Pearson (South Fremantle) Noah Pegoraro (West Perth) Bailey Rogers (Claremont) Taj Schofield (Subiaco) Angus Schumacher (East Perth) Angus Scott (East Perth) Michael Sinclair (Perth) Ben Sokol (Subiaco) Jesse Turner (Swan Districts) Joel Western (Claremont)