Preview State of Origin 2026: WA v Victoria, Optus Stadium, Sat 14/2 4.40pm local / 7.40pm AEDT

[kid_a]

Apologies if this has already been covered already in this thread or somewhere else.

Was the decision to exclude SA this year a strategic one, i.e build up so much resentment among Croweaters at being left out that next year (?) when they’ll be drawn against the big V (is this the schedule?) they’ll come out breathing fire.

If so, I like it, in that passion around SOO is kind of intangible. If you have a wrong that needs righting, even if you create something artificial at the beginning, then maybe just maybe the concept can thrive.

I’m a bit dubious (that the players will care enough) but hopeful.

Failing that does anyone know how to bring back Arty Beatson from heaven? If we could assign him to WA and Mick Cronin to VIC and get them to punch on in the first quarter maybe we can generate lightning in a bottle?

SA aren't involved this year because the idea and money put up for hosting the event was done by the WA government, also Patty Cripps had been in Dillon's ear about S.O.O.

Worth also noting that the concept of state of origin was thought up by a Western Australian and the first proper State of "Origin" Match was between WA & Victoria in Perth, 1977. So I guess it's a nod to that too, being the first of (well what the AFL hope at least) what is the rekindling of the concept.

 

[Hysteria]

Glad that SOO is back but lets face it, The concept is a Nick Daicos Knee injury away from being abandoned forever.
It will be a good showcase for the game much like the indigenous all-stars game was last year. But anyone expecting it to reach the heights of yesteryear will end up dissapointed.

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

Apologies if this has already been covered already in this thread or somewhere else.

Was the decision to exclude SA this year a strategic one, i.e build up so much resentment among Croweaters at being left out that next year (?) when they’ll be drawn against the big V (is this the schedule?) they’ll come out breathing fire.

If so, I like it, in that passion around SOO is kind of intangible. If you have a wrong that needs righting, even if you create something artificial at the beginning, then maybe just maybe the concept can thrive.

I’m a bit dubious (that the players will care enough) but hopeful.

Failing that does anyone know how to bring back Arty Beatson from heaven? If we could assign him to WA and Mick Cronin to VIC and get them to punch on in the first quarter maybe we can generate lightning in a bottle?

Discussions underway to bring SA to WA next year. It will happen. Unless there's catastrophic injuries in the coming game.

 

[kid_a]

Glad that SOO is back but lets face it, The concept is a Nick Daicos Knee injury away from being abandoned forever.
It will be a good showcase for the game much like the indigenous all-stars game was last year. But anyone expecting it to reach the heights of yesteryear will end up dissapointed.

True

I reckon if he plays and gets injured in a wildcard game, that'll be the end of that too

 

[Billy ray]

Discussions underway to bring SA to WA next year. It will happen. Unless there's catastrophic injuries in the coming game.

neither state wants to play the other, they just wanna play the vics

remember that cracking state game SA v WA back in whenever? of course not

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

neither state wants to play the other, they just wanna play the vics

remember that cracking state game SA v WA back in whenever? of course not

The last cracking contest was the one in 1994 at football Park. SA won but it will forever be remembered by Gary Abletts freak goal that he kicked over his head. Even when they loss the Vics take centre stage and steal the show.

Let's not talk about 99. It was savage.

 

[Rich01]

There's a different to hitting a contest hard and cracking in to hurt.

You’re living in the past. This rarely happens anymore, even in finals. And when it does, players generally get suspended.

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

You’re living in the past. This rarely happens anymore, even in finals. And when it does, players generally get suspended.

Exactly

 

[gungho]

If Jaeger O Meara can get a game for WA, and Andrew Brayshaw

8

Andrew Brayshaw

Age

26

Ht

185cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.8

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

9.3

5star

M

2.6

3star

T

4.8

5star

CL

2.1

4star

D

18.4

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

10.8

5star

M

3.3

3star

T

4.8

5star

CL

3.1

4star

D

12.6

4star

K

6.0

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

4.0

5star

CL

0.8

3star

can’t get a game for Victoria, the WA lads could be in for a tough day.

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

If Jaeger O Meara can get a game for WA, and Andrew Brayshaw can’t get a game for Victoria, the WA lads could be in for a tough day.

It's OK.. were going to go easy on them.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

nah, WA govt went directly to the AFL and coughed up a heap of coin and AFL couldnt say no.

Yep, sadly its the only reason there is a game at all. There's no strategy or anything, just unexpected money to be grabbed.

 

[RUNVS]

The Big V will write their own script come the weekend. Don't you worry about that.

Yes, but will that script be "Grown Ups 2"?

 

[kid_a]

If Jaeger O Meara can get a game for WA, and Andrew Brayshaw can’t get a game for Victoria, the WA lads could be in for a tough day.

You could argue that WA has a more balanced side though, vics will be shoe horning mids into unnatural positions