Marc Webb's outstanding first season as Claremont coach has been recognised with his appointment as the WAFL's State coach for the clash with Victoria in May.

A three-times Subiaco premier- ship captain, Webb led the Tigers to the WAFL and Foxtel Cup premierships in 2012 and will take over as State coach from Chris Waterman.

Webb, who played for WA three times during his WAFL career, said the State game had always been a significant fixture.

He said the WAFL was in good shape to test itself against the VFL.

"We haven't beaten the Vics for quite a while so it's going to be a great challenge," Webb said.

"For a lot of the players this will be the highest level they will play at."

Claremont football manager Dean Horsington was delighted with Webb's appointment.

"He had a great year and he deserves it," Horsington said.

The new role will increase the workload for Webb, who is only part-time at the Tigers and has Foxtel Cup duties as well as the regular season to contend with in 2013.

"We understand we don't want to burn him out and we have spoken about that," Horsington said.

"At the end of the day the opportunity to coach the WA State team was far too great and we will make it work."