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Goatmaster,

I think you have made a heck of a lot of sense there.

I am a big fan of the International Rules series and was very happy to see that the matches will become a permanent annual series, at least over the next four or so years.

However, I think you have nailed it.

State of Origin is (was) the highest level of Australian rules football. To see the All-Australian team and ring-ins play against Ireland is great, but it not Aussie football. To see the best of the best represent their state at the elite level was something to behold. Sorry to use rugby league as an example but the passion shown by the NSW and QLD players to their state is something that was ever present in Aussie rules and is now sadly gone.

Whether your proposal will work or not, I don't know. But like yourself, I can't help but think that we no longer get to see the game played at an elite level. And while I think Dan's suggestion is a good idea, there is nothing like state pride. The combination of representing your state and seeing the best players compete cannot be surpassed. Although in the last few years, it was clear that it had lost its appeal and that is a very sad thing.

I remember going to the State of Origin match in 1989 at the MCG and seeing Tony Lockett kick 5 goals. For a 9 year old, there was nothing better than seeing your idol represent the Big V and playing alongside and against the best of the best. The 96 000 people at the ground witnessed something special and I still remember the game quite clearly despite the game being 11 years ago.

I'm still hoping that the International Rules matches takes off in a big way and is embraced by the players and the public. Yet the apparent loss of State of Origin football is something that I for one will miss a great deal.