Even the iconic WA team of the 1990s, filled with many players who went on to become Test greats, did not manage this feat. Only Victoria has won three in a row in the last 20 years from 2015-17.
It's obviously a rare and very difficult one, as WA can attest to in an injury-plagued season. Leading players Jay Richardson, Lance Morris and Matt Kelly have only played in five Shield matches between them, none of them making the finals.
Cameron Green has only played two matches, while Mitchell Marsh has not featured in domestic cricket this season, with his heavy international workload across formats.
„It's been a challenge going into the finals this year. Last year it was straight, but this year it's been do or die for the last three weeks,” Whiteman said Wednesday.
There is a buzz on social media that WA Second XI could be the next best team in the Shield. Of course, it can never be proven, but WA's depth of talent and their fringe players stepping in seamlessly puts them on the cusp of another title.
„We've used 22 players this year and I think every one of those players has done their part for the team,” Whiteman said. „You have to get the whole team to win the Shield. I think that's the strength of this group.”
„If we get the job this week, we can look back on it and be really proud,” he said. „Leaves a very strong legacy for this group.”
Before the media conference began at King's Park, a popular spot for tourists to take photos of Perth's picturesque surroundings, the Burley Shield trophy was already on the stage for the cameras. Passers-by did not give the trophy a second glance, except for one man, said to be a relative of the former Test player, who wandered in to take a photo.
Amidst the chilly morning air, Perth was reminded of the changing seasons and the finals will be played in relative anonymity in the AFL-mad city.
„I reflected on it myself. It's very special,” said Silk, the only member of that XI to play in this final. „I've only really been on the team for two weeks and I've won.
„So if we win this week, it definitely means a lot because of the journey I've been on and a lot of our guys that have been around for a while.”
Having lost just three matches at the WACA since the start of 2021-22, Tasmania faced the daunting task of a long trip to Perth and faced WA in what looked like a costly defeat.
„We're really confident in our ability at the moment. I think we've put together a very solid first-class season. The guys have to believe that,” Silk said. „We've beaten teams on the road this year and we've had a good record in Perth, so we take a lot of confidence from that.”
„It's been a good week for the Tassie game,” Silk said. „Hopefully we can add to that a little bit this week. It's going to be really special.”
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”