State of Origin Football Is Back! Coaches Say Yes, But Players Got Hurt

The AFL State of Origin game is back after many years. Victoria beat Western Australia in Perth. Coaches liked the game, but some players got hurt, which is a worry.
By Newsroom | Sports, Australia |

The recent AFL State of Origin match, held in Perth, has been met with significant acclaim from coaches, marking a successful return for the concept after a nearly three-decade hiatus. The game, which saw Victoria defeat Western Australia, showcased a high-paced contest before a considerable crowd. However, the event also brought to the forefront concerns regarding player safety, as injuries to key draft picks highlighted the inherent risks of non-premiership games.

Historical Context and Revival

Interstate football has a long and storied past in Australian Rules, with matches between states like Victoria and Western Australia having historically shaped the sport. This tradition of representative games, including the State of Origin, saw a significant decline, with the last major fixture occurring in 1999. Recent years have seen attempts to gauge interest in such matches, including an Indigenous All-Stars exhibition game that drew a substantial crowd. The AFL's decision to revive the State of Origin was based on this demonstrated appetite for representative football and followed extensive discussions with the Western Australian government. Eligibility for players was tied to their junior club affiliations, a move intended to foster strong team compositions.

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Origin coaches hail the successful return of interstate Aussie rules - 1

Match Details and Outcome

The AFL State of Origin match took place on February 14, 2026, at Perth Stadium, with Victoria ultimately triumphing over Western Australia with a score of 125-101. The attendance was 58,141 spectators. Victoria's midfield was bolstered by notable players, including Nick Daicos, who had a significant impact with 38 disposals and a goal. Western Australia's Jesse Hogan was a prominent forward, scoring five goals. Despite the competitive nature of the game, the match was marred by injuries to two number-one draft picks, raising immediate questions about player welfare.

Coaches' Reactions

Coaches from both participating states expressed strong support for the revival of the State of Origin concept. Chris Scott, the winning coach for Victoria, indicated his belief in the concept's potential as a "viable product, long term." Similarly, Dean Cox, the coach for Western Australia, joined Scott in advocating for the match to become an annual fixture, citing the players' positive engagement with the event. Their endorsements suggest a positive reception from those directly involved in managing the teams.

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Origin coaches hail the successful return of interstate Aussie rules - 2

Underlying Tensions and Questions

Despite the coaches' positive outlook, the return of State of Origin is not without its critics and lingering questions. A primary concern revolves around the risk of injury to players in games that do not contribute to premiership points. The injuries sustained during the recent match have amplified these worries. Furthermore, the long-term viability and definition of success for the concept remain subjects of discussion. Questions persist on whether this revival is a fleeting novelty or the foundation for a more sustained future for State of Origin matches within the AFL's calendar.

Player Eligibility and Talent Pool

The selection criteria for the revived State of Origin focused on a player's junior club origins. This approach aimed to ensure that teams would feature a high concentration of talent. For Western Australia, this meant players like Patrick Cripps, Jesse Hogan, Aaron Naughton, and Mitch Georgiades, who play for clubs outside the state, were eligible. Victoria's potential lineup was also set to be strong, with players such as Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli, and Zak Butters being eligible due to their junior roots in the state. This system aimed to create compelling matchups by drawing on players' connections to their home states.

Historical Performance and Rivalry

The rivalry between Western Australia and Victoria has been a significant feature of Australian Rules football, with interstate matches historically playing a crucial role in the sport's development. The talent pool in Western Australia has often been sufficient to mount a competitive challenge against Victoria. Historically, the South Australia versus Victoria clashes in Adelaide were noted for consistently drawing strong interest. The recent match aimed to rekindle this historical rivalry.

Expert Commentary

  • Chris Scott, Victoria Coach: "I couldn't be prouder of how we played the game… The Origin concept has the ability to be a viable product, long term." (Source: Article 1)

  • Dean Cox, Western Australia Coach: Hailed the success of the concept and called for it to be played every year. (Source: Article 1)

Conclusion

The AFL State of Origin's return has been broadly welcomed by coaches, who see it as a successful and potentially enduring concept. The match in Perth drew a significant crowd and showcased a competitive encounter. However, the recurrence of player injuries, particularly to highly-rated draft picks, casts a shadow over the event and re-ignites debate about the inherent risks associated with non-premiership games. The long-term future of the State of Origin will likely depend on the AFL's ability to balance the spectacle and fan appeal with the paramount need for player safety. The question of what constitutes true success for the concept, beyond initial positive reception, remains a central point of discussion.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did the State of Origin game happen again?
Yes, the AFL State of Origin game was played in Perth. It has been many years since the last one.
Q: Who won the game?
Victoria won against Western Australia.
Q: Did coaches like the game?
Yes, the coaches from both teams said they liked the game and want it to happen every year.
Q: Were there any problems?
Yes, some players got hurt during the game. This made people worry about player safety.