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The final training squad for the Peter Jackson VFL state team has been announced.
The original list of 30 that was announced last week has been trimmed to 25, with one addition, Casey Scorpion forward Tim Smith.
The introduction of Smith into the squad will provide the VFL team with more forward options, as the 25-man squad will be reduced to 23 for the trip to face the SANFL on Sunday May 29 at Adelaide Oval.
The team will come together next Tuesday at IKON Park, the first of three training sessions leading up to the state clash.
Sam Iles (Box Hill), Hugh Sandilands (Port Melbourne), James Ferry (Essendon), Ozgur Uysal (Coburg), Tom Simpkin (Sandringham) and Anthony Anastasio (Williamstown) were not selected in the final training squad, leaving 10 VFL clubs still represented.
A number of state squad members impressed on the weekend, with Box Hill Hawks captain David Mirra taking 16 marks to go with his 31 disposals, Werribee’s Matt Hanson had seven clearances and 27 disposals, Williamstown’s Sam Dunell kicked six goals while teammate Michael Gibbons had six inside 50s and 32 disposals and Brody Mihocek showed his versatility with 17 disposals and three goals in a move up forward for Port Melbourne.
Coach Andy Collins said versatility in the team will be a key when they face the SANFL.
“Our final 25 has plenty of versatility, with the majority of players able to play a number of roles,” Collins said.
“There is no question of the talent we have in this team, and we look forward to them all showcasing their ability in the Big V jumper.
“We will now gather this group together, teach them our game style and prepare for a win against the old enemy in SA.”
The squad features eight former AFL players including Sam Dunell, Max Warren and Jordan Russell, plus a host of young talent, highlighted by former Morrish Medalist and Frankston dual best & fairest Ben Cavarra and 2015 J.J. Liston Trophy winner Nick Rippon.
SANFL and VFL have met on five occasions since 1999, with the SANFL enjoying a 4-1 record. This record is something Collins wants to quickly change..
“That is my motivation for taking this job on. When I accepted the role (as coach), I did so on the proviso that I chose a team to win,” he said.
“I have enormous respect for the SANFL, having spent six years coaching with and against some of this (SANFL) team, but this will be a great contest between two strong state competitions.”
Radio station 3WBC will broadcast the game live into Victoria on 94.1fm and online via www.3wbc.org.au and there will be live stats and a live video stream on the SANFL website – full details to follow next week.
Sunday May 29, Adelaide Oval
SANFL West End State Team v Peter Jackson VFL | 2:10pm
SA U18’s v SA U20’s | 11:25am
Ticketing:
FREE entry SANFL Club Ticketed Members (Home match and season ticket holders, excludes 3/5 game ticket holders), Adelaide Oval Football Members, Essential Crows and Essential Power members
Adults $14 | Concession $8 | U18’s FREE
Click here to buy your tickets
VFL SQUAD OF 25
BOX HILL HAWKS
MIRRA David
WARREN Max
CASEY SCORPIONS
SMITH Tim
ESSENDON
COGHLAN Daniel
FOOTSCRAY
RUSSELL Jordan
HAYES Will
DALGLEISH Lauchlan
FRANKSTON
CAVARRA Ben
NORTH BALLARAT
KIEL Luke
RIPPON Nick
PORT MELBOURNE
HARETUKU Khan
MIHOCEK Brody
RICHMOND
DARLEY Sam
WERRIBEE
SHERLOCK Scott
HANSON Matt
WILSON Jake
SODOMACO Michael
WILLIAMSTOWN
DUNELL Sam
GIBBONS Michael
FAULKS Peter
MASTERS Leigh
DORGAN Jack
SIPOSS Arryn
WHEELER Willie
MEESE Nick
