,WA-beaters called up to Croweaters squad

Five of South Australia’s best six players when they last beat Western Australia three years ago have been included in the squad to play at Lathlain Park this month.

The Croweaters selectors have picked 12 players with AFL experience in the 31-man squad to be coached by prominent SA identity Graham Cornes.

But the core of the team’s midfield is likely to come from the group that saw off the Black Swans by 14 points at the postage-stamp Glenelg ground in 2012.

Tough midfielders Nick Liddle, Chris Schmidt, James Boyd and Luke Jarrad were dominant players in that game while veteran defender Paul Thomas set a high standard.

Experienced AFL players Jason Porplyzia, Jared Petrenko, Ian Callinan and Terry Milera were included in the squad yesterday which will attempt to break the deadlock between the two States.

Each team has won 46 matches in a rivalry that has extended for 111 years. WA broke a 15-year drought when they won by one point in 2009.

But they were not able to secure consecutive wins over the Croweaters for the first time in more than three decades when they last met.

South Australia were rewarded for their strategy in playing on the SANFL’s smallest ground in 2012 to negate WA’s greater running power.

The Black Swans have returned the favour this season by playing at the significantly bigger Lathlain Park where elite runners such as Aaron Black, Steven Payne and Marlon Pickett are expected to relish the space.

Coach Darren Harris said WA’s primary focus would remain on winning contested football but it was vital to have a good balance in the team.