Louis Pinnuck and Renee Tierney will lead the Big V in the 2026 State Games against the SANFL.
Two of the most highly regarded players across the Smithy’s VFL and VFLW respectively, Pinnuck and Tierney will each add State Team captain to their glittering honour roll in Saturday’s representative clashes at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium.
Pinnuck last year claimed the Frank Johnson Medal as the Smithy’s VFL State Team’s best player in the drought-breaking win over the SANFL, kicking two crucial final-term goals to steer the Big V to its first win over the Croweaters since 2002.
It came just 12 months after he made the agonising call to withdraw from the 2024 State Game due to injury – a selfless decision which showcased his leadership qualities.
The Werribee premiership defender takes the reins as captain from his Tigers’ teammate Dom Brew, who served as skipper over the past two representative campaigns.
Pinnuck said he was humbled to be named captain of the Smithy’s VFL State Team.
“It definitely wasn’t something I was expecting, but it is an honour to captain this team,” Pinnuck said.
“Hopefully we can build on the connections that we built last year. It was really something special, as those who were part of it can attest.
“It was made even more enjoyable because we got the win. We now want to go and do it again.”
In her first season as captain, Tierney last year led North Melbourne Werribee to a record-equalling second-consecutive VFLW flag.
It was the third time Tierney had tasted premiership success in the competition, having been a key figure in the Roos’ 2024 success, as well as Essendon’s undefeated 2022 premiership side.
After missing out on selection in the inaugural Smithy’s VFLW State Team last year, Tierney said it was a huge thrill to be able to lead the Big V.
“It’s a massive honour to be name State Team captain and lead such a fantastic group of footballers,” Tierney said.
“I was thrilled at just being picked in the team, so to now be given the opportunity to lead the Big V against the SANFL is something I am incredibly proud of.”
2025 captain Dom Carbone will serve as vice-captain.
The Smithy’s VFLW State Team is looking to maintain its unbeaten representative record after claiming a 27-point win in its inaugural clash with the SANFL last year.
2026 STATE GAME DETAILS
SANFLW vs VFLW
Saturday, April 11
12:00pm local / 12:30pm AEST
Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg
SANFL vs VFL
Saturday, April 11
2:40pm local / 3:10pm AEST
Stratarama Stadium, Glenelg
BROADCAST
The 2026 State Games will be available via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. The streams will be made available here.
The men's match will also be broadcast by the Seven Network via 7mate in South Australia and Victoria, and via 7plus nationally.
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2026 State Games are available here. Prices are adults $15, concession $10, while children aged under 18 have free entry.
SQUADS
The VFL announced its final squads for the 2026 State Games on Tuesday. The final teams and emergencies will be confirmed prior to Saturday’s matches.
