Brookton-Pingelly product Tom Blechynden fuelled by last year’s disappointment ahead of WA debut in Adelaide

The disappointment of missing out on State selection last year has added fuel to the fire for WA debutant and South Fremantle star Tom Blechynden ahead of Friday’s clash with South Australia. Blechynden hails from Brookton-Pingelly in the Upper Great Southern and will be among a host of players making their debuts for WA as they look to reclaim the Haydn Bunton Cup at Adelaide Oval. The 23-year-old midfielder didn’t make the final WA team last year and says that omission was a key factor in his superb early season form in the WAFL this year. Blechynden is averaging 25 disposals for the Bulldogs in the first six rounds of the season and is expected to play on a wing and across half-back in the new look WA outfit. “It is really exciting to get the nod and it’s been a dream of mine to play for WA,” he said. “As the years have gone on and I’ve been playing better and better, you aspire to represent your State at some level. “I got close last year and just missed out and that pushed me to start the season well and I’ve been in pretty good form so I feel ready. “For as long as I’m playing in the WAFL, I will always be trying to get the best out of myself, aspire to play well and go to the next level.” Last year Blechynden spent three weeks as a train-on player at West Coast and then a couple of months later was on standby as a COVID top-up but wasn’t called up to play an AFL game. He said that experience along with learning from an experienced group of teammates in the past couple of years had helped his development. “(My form) has a lot to do with confidence,” Blechynden said. “Last year I played mostly on a wing and then this year I’ve gone into the midfield. “I’m a bit older and more mature as well.” Blechynden’s proud parents Brett and Jodie quickly booked a trip to South Australia when news of his selection dropped on Tuesday night. He said it would be a special moment to pull on the Black Swans jumper. “Along with all the other boys in the team, I’ll be wearing it with pride,” he said. “I’ve played against all these boys in the last few years and don’t know them too well. “But once you get on the same team you find out how good a blokes they are and it will be a great experience.” Toby McQuilkin and Chad Pearson are the other Bulldogs players in the 23-man squad for the State game. Boddington’s Rachael Mottershead, who is with South Fremantle, will be the head physiotherapist for WA. The WA team flew to Adelaide on Thursday morning and will clash with South Australia at 1.40pm on Friday.