The Perth Football League is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig White and Parris Laurie as Head Coaches of the 2023 Men’s and Women’s State Teams.

Curtin Uni Wesley’s A Grade Head Coach Craig White will take charge of the Men’s State side when they take on the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) on 15 July in Victoria.

White has a vast array of experience after featuring in the previous two A Grade Grand Finals and being named the PFL Coach of the Year last year after losing only one game during the home and away season.

“I’m super excited to be announced as the PFL’s State Team Head Coach,” White said.

“Taking on Victoria in Victoria will be a huge challenge but I’m passionate and excited by the opportunity ahead.”

“I believe the PFL in recent years has gone from strength to strength and we are now in a strong position to put forward an experienced and exciting squad that can go away and take it up to Victoria.”

After a successful start to her coaching career with Wembley, Parris Laurie will be at the helm of the Women’s State side for the second year in a row.

The former West Coast Eagles AFLW ruck impressed last season as she led the Women’s State side to a two-point victory over the WA Country Football League, along with guiding her Wembley side to a B Grade premiership.

Laurie has laced up the boots for her Wembley side this season as a player-coach, with the team currently sitting undefeated at the top of the A Grade Women’s ladder.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to help 23 women get exposure for their hard work and talent,” Laurie said.

“It’s really exciting that the team gets to play interstate this year and potentially open doors for these girls and their futures in football.”

“We’ve seen girls drafted from the PFL and I feel privileged to be selected to help these girls continue to develop their skills and their love for the game.”

Both Head Coaches will play a key role in selecting the best talent across the League and implementing a training program over the next few weeks in the lead up to the matches.

The Perth Football League will head east during the A Grade bye weekend to take on the VAFA in a double header for our Senior Men’s and Women’s sides on Saturday 15 July at Elsternwick Park.

More information on the matches will be released in the coming weeks.