Some of the best players in the Western Border Football League have been selected in the South East zone squad to represent the region.
In addition one of the best coaches in the region has been given the assistant coach role for the squad.
Millicent A Grade coach Clint Gallio, who has played a crucial role in turning Millicent from a wooden spooner into back to back premiers, has been selected in the side as a player and assistant coach.
Gallio’s appointment to the role has come after leading the Western Border as head coach during the recent interleague match against KNTFL.
Joining Gallio from Millicent will be Kade Bradley and Sam Waring along with their under 21 teammates Frazer Bradley, Kade Varcoe and Josh Werchon.
North Gambier’s leading goal kicker Sam Stafford is the only Tiger to be selected for the squad, while West Gambier coach Daron McElroy has gained selection and is sure to have an impact on the squad.
The only other Roo to be picked for the squad is Branden Newton, who has played a crucial role in the backline for West Gambier during the 2023 season and has proved one of the best recruits of the season.
Newton starred in the Western Border loss to KNTFL, delivering a best on ground performance for his side.
South Gambier coach Brayden Kain will be one of two players representing the Demons.
Kain was a standout in a forward line that was starved of the ball throughout the Western Border match, kicking four goals and taking some outstanding marks.
Joining his coach will be Mitchell Sims who has been very impressive this season and also made an impact during the interleague match.
He will be one of four other under 21s who have been selected from the WBFL to play in the South East squad to compete in the South Australia Country Football Championships on July 8 and 9 in the Barossa Valley.
The squad will play two games on the Saturday before playing a final on the Sunday, with the South East squad looking to defend its 2022 title, which was the first time the side had won the championships since its inception in 1994.
The Mid South Eastern will also be represented in the squad, with several clubs represented with Port MacDonnell and Mount Burr having the most players in the squad.
Port MacDonnell coach Josh Woodall will be joined by Colby Munro and Wade Chant.
Mount Burr’s Dylan Ridley and Sam Wallis will represent the league along with under 21 player Kallan Bevan, while Tom Wachtel and Henry Lawrie will represent Robe alongside Kalangadoo’s Mitch Lowe and Ben Gregory.
Dylan Childs will be the sole Glencoe representative and under 21 player Joel Virtanen will represent Nangwarry.
The squad will play two games on the Saturday before playing a final on the Sunday, with the South East squad looking to defend its 2022 title, which was the first time the side had won the championships since its inception in 1994.
