Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault product Lauren Quaife represents WAFL in inaugural women’s State league game

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault product Lauren Quaife represented the WAFL as they took on the SANFL in the inaugural women’s State league game at Optus Stadium on Saturday. The ruck, who plays for Swan Districts in the WAFLW competition, won 16 hit-outs and registered four disposals as her side suffered a 7.7 (49) to 5.3 (33) loss to the Croweaters. The 23-year-old was rewarded with the selection after being the dominant player in her position so far this season, going at an average of 22.8 hit-outs per game. She opened the season with a 30 hit-out effort against Claremont and came into the exhibition game in strong form, winning 29, 25 and 26 hit-outs against South Fremantle, West Perth and Claremont. Quaife has played 70 games across six seasons in the WAFLW and has taken her game to a new level since leaving Peel Thunder at the end of the 2022 season. The Black Ducks are sitting fifth on the competition’s ladder with a 4-4 win-loss record. Jess Verbrugge, who returned to the State league this season after winning her second Nola Marino Medal with Donnybrook last year, was an emergency for the contest, while Dunsborough product Stan Wright is in the men’s squad for their game on May 19.