PFL Announce State Head Coaches

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.

More News

Darcy Rudd: Championing Mental Health in Community Footy

Back in August, Fremantle CBC Football Club's Darcy Rudd was named Western Australia's 2026 Tackle Your Feelings Community Champion, recognising his commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing within his club. With the football season now behind us, we're taking the opportunity to spotlight Darcy's efforts to create a club environment ...

Read more

From Trinity Aquinas to the Perth Demons: Dan Cripps Takes the Next Step

From celebrating an A Grade Women's Premiership with Trinity Aquinas to being appointed Head Coach of the Perth Football Club's WAFLW side, Daniel Cripps is taking the next step in his coaching journey. Following two successful seasons at Trinity Aquinas Football Club, Cripps has been announced as the new Perth ...

Read more

2026 A Grade Grand Finals Wrap

With the HIF Finals Series all finished after seven weeks of action, here are all four games from Saturday’s season-defining A Grade Grand Finals wrapped. Tiger Kings: North Beach go big in back-to-back flag win An assertive performance from North Beach has secured the Tigers a second-straight Sandover Shield, ...

Read more

Who to Watch: 2026 A Grade Grand Finals

The HIF Finals Series reaches an epic conclusion this weekend with four tantalising matchups. Here are the players to watch and the important facts to know ahead of the big clashes. Budget Car and Truck Rental A Grade Men- North Beach v Fremantle C.B.C Saturday, September 5, HIF Insurance ...

Read more