Stone named West End State Coach

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg premiership mentor Mark Stone will coach the West End State team against the WAFL in 2020.

Replacing departed North Adelaide coach Josh Carr, who has joined AFL club Fremantle as an assistant, Stone will guide the Croweaters against the Sandgropers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday May 9.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Stone said he was honoured to be asked to coach the West End State team, noting the importance of the concept in terms of State pride and for players to test themselves at a high standard.

SANFL will be looking to break the recent trend of away victories after the WAFL won the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup at Adelaide Oval in 2018 before the West End State team returned the favour in Perth in 2019.

The 2020 clash between the Nullarbor neighbours will be played after the Adelaide v Fremantle AFL match, with fans granted free access after the final siren of the Crows v Dockers encounter.

Norwood premiership rover Stephen Rowe will continue in his role as Chairman of Selectors, with the selection panel set to meet for the first time in March before Round 1 of the Statewide Super League season.

Stone’s assistant coaching panel will be finalised early in the New Year, with the training schedule expected to mirror this year’s successful shortened format.