South West football stars to represent WA for the 2026 interstate clash with South Australia Country

Three South West football stars will be joining the squad to represent WA for the 2026 interstate clash with South Australia Country next month.

South Bunbury’s Thomas Gorter, Busselton’s Mitchell Tenardi and Collie’s Jason Carter are three of the 23-player squad set to battle South Australia Country on Saturday July 25 at Barossa Park in Adelaide.

The team will be headed by returning coach Craig Otto alongside assistant coach Troy Lovegrove, as the group prepares to proudly wear the black and gold.

Otto said the coaching panel had assembled a squad with the talent, versatility and character to challenge the home side.

“This is a group that has earned the opportunity to represent country Western Australia through consistent performances across the season,” Otto said.

“We’ve been able to select a squad with a really good balance of experience, contested football, speed and versatility, while also rewarding players who stood up during the Country Championships.”

Otto said despite the squad’s strength the competition will be fierce.

“We know South Australia will be a quality opponent, especially on their home ground, but our group is embracing that challenge,” he said.

“The reality of a State country program is that our players are travelling from every corner of Western Australia, so opportunities to train together are limited.

“However, the skill, determination and commitment within this playing group gives me every confidence that we will give ourselves a strong chance of coming away with the result.”