Victoria Beats Western Australia in State of Origin Return, Player Injured

The AFL State of Origin game is back! Victoria played Western Australia and won. Sadly, a player named Jacob Weitering got hurt early in the game. Victoria played very well for most of the match.
By Newsroom | AFL, Sport |

The highly anticipated return of AFL State of Origin football saw Victoria take a commanding lead against Western Australia at Optus Stadium. However, the spectacle was marred by a significant injury to Jacob Weitering, prompting a lengthy halt in play during the opening term. Despite this setback, Victoria demonstrated superior performance for much of the match, asserting their dominance after an initial WA surge.

Key Developments in AFL State of Origin Return

The AFL State of Origin match, held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, marked a significant revival of the representative competition. This event, the first of its kind in over 26 years, brought together top talent from Victoria and Western Australia.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering off injured as Victoria, WA impress in AFL origin return - 1

  • Event Timing: The game commenced with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM AEDT, followed by the first bounce at 7:40 PM AEDT. Local times varied across states, with Perth kicking off at 4:00 PM AWST.

  • Venue: The match was hosted at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia.

  • Broadcasting: The game was broadcast live and free on Channel Seven and 7plus Sport.

  • Significance: The AFL initiated the return of the State of Origin due to player "passion" and after "a couple of years" of consideration, as indicated by AFL boss Andrew Dillon.

Jacob Weitering's Injury Casts Shadow Over Origin Revival

A significant concern arose early in the match with the injury to Jacob Weitering, a prominent player for Victoria.

Read More: Victoria Beats Western Australia in AFL Origin Game, But Injuries Cause Worry

  • Incident: Weitering sustained a head injury in the first quarter, leading to a prolonged stoppage. The initial term extended to 43 minutes to allow for his safe removal from the field.

  • Player Condition: Reports suggest Weitering appeared to give a thumbs-up to fans as he was being attended to, though specific updates on his condition were not immediately available. He was seen being stretchered off the ground. The incident was described as "what we all feared," with one report mentioning a "200kg Origin crash landing."

  • Impact on Game Flow: The extensive delay for Weitering's injury undoubtedly disrupted the game's rhythm.

Victoria Establishes Early Dominance

Despite the disruption, Victoria emerged as the stronger side for the majority of the match, establishing a significant lead.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering off injured as Victoria, WA impress in AFL origin return - 2

  • Quarter-Time Score: At the first break, Victoria led Western Australia 39-19.

  • Key Performers for Victoria:

  • Nick Daicos was highlighted for his "superb" performance.

  • Ben King contributed with two goals.

  • Hugh McCluggage was noted for "putting on a clinic" and Victoria's overall dominance in ground position.

  • Match Trajectory: While WA started strongly, Victoria quickly asserted control and dominated play thereafter.

Western Australia's Performance and Key Players

Western Australia showed early promise but struggled to maintain momentum against Victoria's strong performance.

Read More: Jacob Weitering Hurt in AFL Origin Game

  • Early Lead: WA began the match with an early lead.

  • Key Performers for WA:

  • Jesse Hogan kicked a goal for WA.

  • Ben King's strong kicking for Victoria was noted as a challenge for WA's defense, specifically mentioning Rory Lobb.

  • Defensive Concerns: One report alluded to WA's defense being "a bit all over the shop."

Extended Breaks and Interchange Rules

The AFL implemented modified rules for the State of Origin match to potentially enhance player engagement and game dynamics.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering off injured as Victoria, WA impress in AFL origin return - 3

  • Break Durations: Quarter-time and three-quarter-time breaks were extended to eight minutes.

  • Interchange Policy: There was no limit on the number of interchanges permitted during the game.

  • Last Disposal Rule: For the first time since its implementation, the last disposal rule was awarded to WA, suggesting a shift in possession dynamics at a specific moment.

Expert Analysis and Player Mentions

The return of the State of Origin was driven by a desire to harness player "passion," with AFL executives considering the concept for several years.

Read More: AFL Star Jacob Weitering Hurt Early in Origin Game

"We’re really excited about it." - Andrew Dillon, AFL Boss.

Notable players mentioned in squad lists and game commentary include:

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering off injured as Victoria, WA impress in AFL origin return - 4

  • Victoria: Jacob Weitering, Nick Daicos, Ben King, Hugh McCluggage, Max Gawn, Noah Anderson, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith, Zak Butters, Matt Rowell, Max Holmes, Bailey Holmes, Jack Sinclair, Tom Stewart, Lachie Ash, Sam Collins, Josh Battle, Ed Richards, Jack Gunston, Blake Hardwick, Zach Merrett, Caleb Serong, Tristan Xerri. Coaches included Chris Scott and assistants Sam Mitchell, Shaun Grigg.

  • Western Australia: Jesse Hogan, Rory Lobb, Nathan Broad, Tom Barrass, Trent Rivers, Jordan Clark, Sam Taylor, Liam Baker, Stephen Coniglio, Patrick Cripps, Bradley Hill, Shai Bolton, Aaron Naughton, Callum Ah Chee, Luke Jackson, Charlie Cameron, Tim English, Chad Warner, Kysaiah Pickett, Mitch Georgiades, Wil Powell, Jaeger O’Meara, Lawson Humphries, Darcy Cameron, Jake Waterman. Coaches included Dean Cox and assistants Justin Longmuir, Nathan van Berlo.

Broader Context: AFL Origin's Strategic Importance

The AFL's decision to reinstate the State of Origin was influenced by player feedback and a recognition of the event's potential to reignite supporter enthusiasm and professional pride.

  • Player Commitment: Players have reportedly indicated they intend to play the Origin match seriously, with the notion of "bruise-free footy" being dismissed.

  • Club Restrictions: Despite the players' stated intentions, clubs retain the ability to limit their players' game time.

  • Documentary Tie-in: The event's significance was further amplified by the airing of "No Holds Barred," a docuseries focusing on the GWS Giants' 2025 campaign, immediately following the post-game coverage.

Conclusion: A Competitive Return Tempered by Injury

The AFL State of Origin's return provided an enthralling contest, with Victoria ultimately demonstrating a superior performance against Western Australia. The match showcased high-caliber play and renewed interest in the representative format. However, the early and significant injury to Jacob Weitering served as a stark reminder of the physical demands and risks inherent in the sport, tempering the celebratory atmosphere. Victoria's strong lead at quarter-time and sustained dominance throughout the early stages suggest a well-prepared side. The impact of Weitering's injury on the remainder of the game and his future availability remains a key point of observation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the AFL State of Origin game?
Victoria won the game against Western Australia. They played very well.
Q: Was anyone hurt in the game?
Yes, a player named Jacob Weitering was hurt in the first part of the game. He had to be taken off the field.
Q: When was the State of Origin game?
The game was on Saturday, February 14, 2026. It was the first State of Origin game in a long time.
Q: Where was the game played?
The game was played at Optus Stadium in Perth, which is in Western Australia.