The match was a hit-out for the State U/18 girls before they travel interstate for the AFL National Championships whereas for the Country women it was an opportunity for players from across WA to come together and test their skills on the big stage.

AFLW players Charlie Thomas, Courtney Rowley and Jess Sedunary attended the match, cheering from the sidelines and offering advice to the players.

The AFLW players went down to the rooms to join both teams at differing times, discussing some game tactics and giving their perspective on the on-field contest.

Thomas and Rowley applauded the players for both sides and highlighted the importance of allowing young players and regional players to showcase their skills against one another.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to play on Optus and showcase their talents in front of a crowd and on the livestream. It adds a little bit more to the game and raises the stakes for both teams to want to push themselves,” Thomas said.

“The State U/18’s showed why they’re the state team and their talent was on display throughout with some awesome performances from the young girls."

Rowley added, “It’s good for the country girls from different regions to come and play together as many of them wouldn’t have played together before. It’s a really good showcase of what’s out there in the regions and outside of the metro area.”

“For both sides it’s an awesome opportunity to test themselves against a quality opposition on perhaps the biggest stage they’ve played on.”

WA Country Women’s Coach Gemma Harrison described the challenge of constructing a team with so many players from various places across the state, whilst also praising their attitude and the opportunity given to them.

“They’ve been really looking forward to playing on Optus Stadium and today there were smiles all round. To come from the country and play on the big stage has been incredible for them and hopefully it’s something they take home and can learn from,” she said.

“Bringing in girls from so many different areas is definitely a challenge for them but in my view, they’ve really stood up to it and come together quickly. It’s just so important for them to feel supported in their football journeys as lot of them have aspirations of moving onto something bigger and better and this is often the first step forward so they’re happy, they’ve enjoyed themselves and they’re really grateful for the opportunity.”