Victoria Wins AFL Origin Game, But Player Injury Causes Worry

The AFL State of Origin game is back! Victoria won against Western Australia in Perth. Sadly, player Jacob Weitering was badly hurt during the game. This makes people wonder if this game is safe for players.
By Newsroom | Sports, Australia |

The AFL State of Origin returned to Perth with Victoria securing a win against Western Australia. However, the much-anticipated match was marred by a significant injury to Carlton player Jacob Weitering, raising immediate concerns for player welfare and the future viability of the revived competition.

The return of the AFL State of Origin, the first since 1999, generated considerable excitement. Held at Optus Stadium with a crowd of approximately 60,000, the event pitted Victoria against Western Australia. Despite Victoria being considered the favorite, the home crowd provided a spirited atmosphere for the Western Australian team. The match, however, quickly turned tense following an injury to Jacob Weitering, a prominent player for Victoria.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering in hospital as Lyon praises spirit; Daicos, Victoria lead WA in Origin return - 1

Event Timeline and Key Participants

The AFL State of Origin match took place on Saturday night at Optus Stadium in Perth. This event marked the revival of the competition after a hiatus of over 26 years.

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  • Teams: Victoria vs. Western Australia

  • Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth

  • Significance: First AFL State of Origin match since 1999.

  • Key Figures: Players like Daicos for Victoria and various stars for both teams participated. Sam Taylor of WA was also noted for being sidelined due to a hamstring issue.

  • Broadcasters: The match was available to watch live on Channel 7, 7plus Sport, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel (Channel 504).

Injury Disrupts Inaugural Match

The return of the State of Origin format was quickly overshadowed by an injury to Jacob Weitering. Reports indicate he was stretchered off the field just 20 minutes into the match. While the exact severity of his injury remains under examination, this incident has drawn immediate attention.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering in hospital as Lyon praises spirit; Daicos, Victoria lead WA in Origin return - 2

  • Reports suggest the injury occurred early in the game.

  • Jacob Weitering, a Carlton star, was unable to continue playing.

  • Concerns were also raised about a potential shoulder injury.

Performance and Scoreline

Victoria appeared to be leading for a significant portion of the game. As of the third quarter, Victoria held an 88-72 advantage over Western Australia with nine minutes remaining.

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  • Ben King contributed a goal for Victoria.

  • Players like Charlie Cameron and Luke Jackson were noted for their contributions to Western Australia's scoring efforts, including a sequence of three consecutive goals.

Wider Context and Player Availability

Beyond the immediate match, there are broader implications for player availability and team composition.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Weitering in hospital as Lyon praises spirit; Daicos, Victoria lead WA in Origin return - 3

  • Sam Taylor (WA) was reportedly sat down due to a hamstring concern.

  • The GWS Giants have also been impacted, having lost Tom Green to a suspected knee injury from a previous training incident.

Expert and Coach Commentary

Initial reactions from coaches and observers highlight the competitive nature of the match and the spirit shown by the players.

  • Lyon (coach) praised the spirit of his team despite the circumstances.

  • The effectiveness of the Origin format's revival, particularly regarding viewership on the east coast, is being closely monitored by broadcasters and the AFL.

Analysis and Future Outlook

The revival of the AFL State of Origin aimed to reignite a sense of national pride and showcase top talent. However, the incident involving Jacob Weitering underscores the inherent risks of representative games.

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  • The "spiteful" nature of the contest was noted, suggesting high intensity.

  • The AFL is assessing the public's reception and viewership figures to gauge the long-term viability of the Origin concept.

  • The physical cost of such matches, as evidenced by Weitering's injury, will likely be a significant factor in future discussions about the competition's format and scheduling.

Conclusion

Victoria's victory in the AFL State of Origin match against Western Australia was a significant event, marking the competition's return. However, the premature departure of Jacob Weitering due to injury casts a shadow over the success of the revival. The incident prompts critical questions about player safety and the overall sustainability of the State of Origin concept in its current form. The AFL will need to carefully consider these factors as they evaluate the future of this historic competition, balancing the excitement of representative football against the paramount importance of player well-being.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the AFL State of Origin game?
Victoria won the game against Western Australia.
Q: What happened during the game?
Carlton player Jacob Weitering got a serious injury and had to be taken off the field.
Q: Is the AFL State of Origin game safe?
The injury to Jacob Weitering has made people worry about player safety in this game.
Q: When was the last AFL State of Origin game?
The last game was in 1999, so this was the first one in over 25 years.