Star coaching cohort boosts Black Swans
Western Australia will field one of the strongest coaching panels in their interstate history when they attempt to complete three consecutive State wins by beating South Australia next month.
Four-times premiership coaches John Dimmer (forwards) and Tony Micale (backs) will assist head coach Darren Harris, a flag-winning captain and coach at West Perth.
West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood, a development coach at the Eagles and assistant at East Perth, will work with the midfielders while highly-successful WA under-16s coach Brett Barber will chair the State selection panel.
“It is an enthusiastic, keen and successful group and it reflects the strong buy-in that we have had from all the clubs,” Harris said.
WA beat Victoria in 2013 and the NEAFL last year in the midst of a successful period in which they have won five of their past seven matches.
But they face a challenge against SA and their high-profile coach Graham Cornes, who won eight of his 10 State of Origin matches at the helm of the Croweaters.
Harris was appointed to the Black Swans job last month when 2014 premiership coach Jarrad Schofield withdrew and last year’s other finalists Brian Dawson, Steve Malaxos and Greg Harding also declined.
Both States will select 35-man squads next week before the clash at Lathlain Park on May 23.
Harris has an initial squad comprising 45 club nominations.
Former AFL regulars Liam Anthony (East Fremantle) and Leroy Jetta (Peel) head a group of potential first-time State representatives while prolific Perth midfielder Aidan Tropiano, South Fremantle speedster Tim Kelly and his teammate Blayne Wilson are also in line to make their State debuts.
One surprise choice could be Perth teenager Jared Bell who has impressed coach Earl Spalding with his poise and maturity.
“He has got better every week and though he is not quick and is not that big, he never gets beaten one on one and makes the right decision every time,” Spalding said.
Subiaco’s Shane Yarran, who is leading the competition goal kicking with 19 majors after 39 last season, is almost certain to be named in the squad.
