Simpson’s reward is a long time coming

Nothing will overshadow the thrill of winning the 2010 premiership but Justin Simpson thinks his State debut today might provide the closest experience.

“I’m not sure if anything beats winning a flag but this might come close,” he said on the eve of WA’s clash with South Australia.

“To play with blokes you have respected over the years and played against a lot is a great thing.”

The veteran defender, who is likely to go to SA’s third tall forward – perhaps former Adelaide player Jason Porplyzia - is in his 10th senior season for Swan Districts and has played 144 league games.

Only two WAFL players had made more appearances before their first State match.

Sandover medallist Bryan Cousins had played 193 games for Perth before playing his sole State match in 1985.

And East Perth hard nut Craig Wulff had played 187 matches before his debut against South Australia at Glenelg three years ago.

“It is a massive honour and something that I thought was past me,” Simpson said after being presented with his No.24 WA jumper.

“I have produced my best footy over the past few years and it is a great reward for that.”

The depth of his feeling was evident at the jumper presentation where Simpson’s wife Jesse-May and their two young children were present and shared in his excitement.

“The family is probably even prouder than me,” he said.

“They have been great support. It is a pretty tough gig to play WAFL footy with the commitment required but without them I probably wouldn’t be here.”

Simpson was named in last year’s squad but was cut before the game against the NEAFL in Sydney.

He will play alongside tall defenders Darren Rumble, who will make his fifth State appearance today, and debutant Blayne Wilson.

WA’s defensive set-up appears to be focused on rapid rebound from the back-line with Simpson and Wilson renowned for their ability to drift into space and provide an option into attack.

The same trait is evident in the likely small defenders with Andrew Strijk, Wayde Twomey and Kirk Ugle all outstanding kicks who provide significant run and carry for their club teams.

Their performances on the spacious Lathlain Park are likely to be critical against a SA team that has a powerful midfield whose strength appears to be their ability to win clearances.

Simpson said he had been advised by back-line coach Tony Micale to play his natural game against the Croweaters and would not change the approach that has made him a stand out WAFL defender of the past four seasons.

“It will be like a normal Saturday but played at a higher level, I reckon,” Simpson said.

“It will be a bit of an unknown. There is quite a lot of preparation in the WAFL these days and you normally know who you are playing on.

“We have got a little bit of vision of the SA players but nothing like what we normally have.”