After ending a six-year absence from the competition with a premiership, the Lower South West Football League will return to the Country Championships this weekend looking to prove it belongs in division two.

The 62nd annual Country Championships get under way on Wednesday, with the State’s best regional footballers converging on Perth for four days of competition from July 9 to 12.

More than 50 matches will be played across the carnival as country leagues from throughout WA battle for divisional honours.

The Lower South West heads into this year’s tournament full of confidence after claiming last year’s division three title in its first appearance since 2018.

The side earned promotion after edging Mortlock in a thrilling grand final to secure an immediate return to division two.

A strong squad has again been assembled from across the league, with reigning premiers Bridgetown leading the way with seven representatives.

Imperials, Kojonup and Tigers have each contributed six players, while Boyup Brook has three representatives and Southerners’ solitary player rounds out the squad.

Country Football WA executive manager Brent Hedley said the carnival remained one of the most important events on the regional sporting calendar.

“For four days each year, the very best of country football comes together in Perth. It’s a celebration of the players, volunteers, leagues and communities that make regional football such an important part of Western Australia,” he said.

“This year’s championships also mark an important evolution of the event. We’ve introduced a dedicated finals event that puts the spotlight where it belongs — on the players, the competition and the crowning of our champions.

“Everyone knows that country football has an extraordinary ability to bring WA communities together.

“These championships showcase not only the standard of football being played across the entirety of our State, but the pride that communities have in representing where they come from.”

The championships conclude on Sunday, with the Lower South West aiming to cement its place among the State’s leading country football leagues.

Final Squad

Boyup Brook: Luke Reilly, Patrick Reilly, Nick Hansen.

Bridgetown: Tim Davies, Brodie Grant, Hugh Mitchell, Khai Robertson, Matt Tilbee, Matt Wheatley, Brett Wilson.

Imperials: Brandy Armstrong, Tom Danks, Scott Gizzarelli, Zachary Hall, Tim Mayers, Charlie Waideman.

Kojonup: Travis Abbott, Angus Johnston, Lee Lucev, Matt Marinoni, Lachlan O’Shea, Kyle Smith, Ben Taylor.

Southerners: Lachie Hughes.

Tigers: Tyler Barnsby, Jed Edwards, Reece Edwards, Blake Johnston, Zack Johnston, Josh Seroka.