News "State of Origin is back" - Eddie McGuire, March 2025

[Bjo187]

I think overall it's worth it, good promotion for the code as a truly national sport and would make people realise that a lot of their local teams stars, are in fact locals from their own state.

 

[Cmarsh]

I think overall it's worth it, good promotion for the code as a truly national sport and would make people realise that a lot of their local teams stars, are in fact locals from their own state.

I tnink alot of non AFL fans in NSW and QLD wouldn't know that some of the best players in the league are actually from their states.

 

[GenericUsername202]

I tnink alot of non AFL fans in NSW and QLD wouldn't know that some of the best players in the league are actually from their states.

Exactly. There's a common perception amongst northerners that Northern clubs are full of Victorian players. Even if that's changing, they still struggle to feel a connection to the league because they don't see enough of their own playing it. I think a NSW vs QLD AFL state of origin would open a lot of eyes to just how many northerners play the game these days.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Really needs more playing depth to make it viable longer term.

Both NSW and Qld would have had times in the past 15-20 years where they may have been able to push SA.
Depth is a bit of an issue, which leads to that inconsistency of probably competitiveness, especially if clubs start pulling players should Origin return as anything more than a rare event.
But, let's be honest, the only reason any match is being considered is because the WA govt is throwing big money in. Not because clubs or the commission (or, sadly imo, roughly half the fans) want Origin. But because the commission will always chase the money.

 

[RUNVS]

Both NSW and Qld would have had times in the past 15-20 years where they may have been able to push SA.
Depth is a bit of an issue, which leads to that inconsistency of probably competitiveness, especially if clubs start pulling players should Origin return as anything more than a rare event.
But, let's be honest, the only reason any match is being considered is because the WA govt is throwing big money in. Not because clubs or the commission (or, sadly imo, roughly half the fans) want Origin. But because the commission will always chase the money.

Even 5 years ago NSW/ACT would have destroyed SA. Probably not so now, but the NSW team wouldn't be too bad.

 

[GC2015]

My current WA side
(because I feel like it)

Baker Taylor Humphries
Clark Barrass Curtin
Bolton Cripps Jones
Pickett Naughton Hill
Waterman Hogan Georgiades

English Warner Jackson

J Martin, Neale, Cameron, Fonti

Wil Powell definitely gets in the 2026 WA state team now. He was unreal against the Dockers at Optus Staduim in that elimination final. Could Jy Farrar be a sneaky chance to make the team as well?

Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell have to be in the midfield for Victoria next year. I think Sam Collins partners with Darcy Moore down back and Ben King is definitely a good chance to partner Jeremy Cameron in the forward line.

Could be quite a few state reps from the Suns next year.

 

[Bjo187]

W.A need to start a state academy and get their act together on producing talent. The numbers coming out of there the past 5 years are pathetic. S.A. has half the population and this year will produce more than double the first round picks, as well as Queensland.

I wouldn't typically care but if state of origin is going to work long term, it's imperative they start producing.

On another note you'd probably have Dan Curtin on a wing now.

 

[Black Panther]

Nick Daicos Tony Hall

 

[Philhawk]

Going to be a disaster.

In Feb, 40 degrees with undercooked preseason injuries.

 

[Rob]

Going to be a disaster.

In Feb, 40 degrees with undercooked preseason injuries.

Yeah, if it was a genuine night game then the conditions would be great. But the AFL won't be able to help themselves, they'll schedule it at 4:30 and it'll be unbearable.

 

[Philhawk]

Yeah, if it was a genuine night game then the conditions would be great. But the AFL won't be able to help themselves, they'll schedule it at 4:30 and it'll be unbearable.

Ofcourse they will. They’ll only care about the east coast and the players will ****ing fry.

I hope no hawks play this charade.

 

[Acinath]

Let it ****ing die already. I don’t want to see a bunch of AFL players doing circle work in the middle of Feb disguised as a battle of the states.

 

[Bjo187]

Will be good, but I'm a bit worried with how shit w.a footy and talent is at the moment it could be a blowout.

 

[joy division]

I’m sure it will rate it’s head off in the middle of summer when no one gives a crap about footy and on Valentines Day to boot

Also, are playings still getting injured this year at OO like in the past?

 

[Cmarsh]

In the search for more content to keep the host broardcaster happy, this was almost imevitable.

 

[basashi]

 

[Cmarsh]

SA vs VIC in Adelaide the year after with Sam Darcy playing for SA due to Father-son eligibility.

 

[GC2015]

As the thread title suggests, it turns out Eddie McGuire was 100% right about State of Origin returning. Credit where it's due. Well called, Eddie.

I applaud Dillon for giving State of Origin a chance. You never know if it's going to work until you try it! I think it's fair to say the success of the Indigenous all stars game this year opened the AFL's eyes to what's potentially posssible in this era of footy and they're willing to try different things now.

Happy for guys like Cripps who will get to live out a dream and play for WA. I know that means a lot to him.

 

[PerfectFooty]

I still think Feb is a shit time of year to play footy and shit time for spectators to watch it in.

Also i am sorry if i sound like a vic complaining like a vic, but if it rotates around through different states and match ups not having the MCG available and it would be shit and marvel as a substitute. (Same i presume SA with Adelaide oval, along with upper north eastern cities if they ever got a gig). I get we want to fill the calendar out but we very much cruising out of our lane with respect to cricket and if i was cricket aus i would feel right to kick up a fuss over it

But i am happy it is back

 

[ray_purchase]

Not worth it for risk of injury. AFL is too professional now.

Only shit mickey mouse sports that nobody takes seriously like NRL can have State of Origins.

 

[GC2015]

Not worth it for risk of injury. AFL is too professional now.

You know what, maybe we should stop playing pre-season games as well. It's too risky.

AFL is too professional for pre-season games now. Everyone goes into round 1 cold.

 

[My Cotchin Rules]

You know what, maybe we should stop playing pre-season games as well. It's too risky.

AFL is too professional for pre-season games now. Everyone goes into round 1 cold.

Exactly what I was thinking. People forget that they still need warm up games. Can get injured at training ffs.

 

[aCunningPlan]

Make it competative.
WA v Vic Metro
SA v Vic Country

The ring of steel was a real mindshift, I dont want to support some tossers went to Assumption in the city. Give me Ginni from Newstead or Lohmann from Lake Wendouree.

 

[MisterMarcus]

Dumb decision to do it in Feb.

Most players won't want to play a full-on 'serious' game so early in the season, so it will either be

a) A game where all the star players sit out.

b) A game where everyone goes at half rat power because nobody wants to get injured, or is still underdone.

So either a glorified VFL v WAFL game, or a glorified practice match.

 

[voorhees]

playing it in February is a real concern.
But I guess the AFL know what there doing? .... don't they??