The Victorian Football League (VFL) has today announced the Smithy’s VFL State Team squad ahead of the clash with the SANFL’s West End State Team during Gather Round.

Footscray vice-captain Cooper Craig-Peters and electric forward Phoenix Spicer have been included in the 43-player squad ahead of the 2025 AAMI State Game, which will be played at Tanunda Recreation Park in the Barossa on Saturday, April 12.

The clash between the VFL and SANFL representative teams will follow the North Melbourne vs Gold Coast Suns AFL match at nearby Barossa Park, providing a footy showcase for the Barossa region.

The Smithy’s VFL State Team squad features representatives from 18 clubs across the 21-team competition.

Only VFL-listed players are available to be selected in the Smithy’s VFL State Team, with current AFL-listed players ineligible.

The Smithy’s VFL State Team coaching panel was announced last month, with Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn reappointed as head coach.

The coaching panel comprises an additional five Smithy’s VFL club coaches in assistant roles. They include Jamie Cassidy-McNamara (Coburg), Stewart Edge (Footscray Bulldogs), Ben Hudson (Brisbane Lions), Jackson Kornberg (Frankston) and Taylor Whitford (Casey Demons).

2025 AAMI State Game – Men’s
Smithy’s VFL State Team vs SANFL’s West End State Team
Saturday 12 April, 2:45pm ACST (3:15pm AEST)
Tanunda Recreation Park, SA
Broadcast: 7mate and 7plus; stream at AFL.com.au

2025 Smithy’s VFL State Team squad