The return of AFL State of Origin delivered a compelling spectacle on , with Victoria overcoming a spirited Western Australia side 18.17 (125) to 15.11 (101) in front of a sold-out crowd of 58,141 at Optus Stadium. While the match itself reignited a long-dormant rivalry and provided a thrilling contest for fans, the evening was also marred by injuries that raise concerns as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.
The Victorian team, boasting a star-studded lineup, initially found themselves on the back foot, conceding early goals. However, they quickly regained control, ultimately securing the Polly Farmer Cup. Giants forward Jesse Hogan was a standout performer for Western Australia, earning the Graham Moss Medal for his five-goal haul. At the other end, Ben King proved equally effective, slotting four goals for Victoria.
Beyond the on-field action, the most significant storyline quickly became the mounting injury toll. Carlton star Jacob Weitering was taken to hospital after a heavy collision with Mitch Georgiades during a marking contest in the first quarter. The severity of his injuries – rib and shoulder concerns – casts a shadow over the victory and raises questions about the physicality of the revived Origin format. Further compounding concerns, Sam Taylor, Mitch Georgiades, and Cal Ah Chee all sustained hamstring injuries during the match, while reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell was assessed for a finger injury.
The return of State of Origin after a 25-year hiatus was met with a degree of skepticism, particularly given the demands already placed on players during the regular AFL season. However, the intensity and passion displayed by both teams on Saturday night appeared to validate the decision to bring back the concept. Players demonstrably embraced the opportunity to represent their states, engaging in physical contests and displaying a clear sense of pride.
The match wasn’t without its dramatic moments. Late in the fourth quarter, Western Australia mounted a spirited comeback, reducing Victoria’s lead to just six points with a four-goal run. However, Victoria responded decisively, with Geelong champion Patrick Dangerfield kicking a crucial 50-meter goal, followed by sealing goals from Caleb Serong and Zach Merrett. This late surge underscored Victoria’s depth and resilience, ultimately securing their victory.
Lachie Ash of Victoria was awarded the E.J. Whitten Medal as best afield, recognized for his impressive performance which included 25 disposals and 498 meters gained. The midfield dominance of players like Nick Daicos (38 disposals, seven clearances, one goal), Marcus Bontempelli (30 disposals, one goal), Zak Butters (27 disposals, one goal), and Zach Merrett (20 disposals, two goals) proved pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo and wearing down the Western Australian defense.
Brad Hill (26 disposals, 457m gained) and captain Patrick Cripps (20 disposals, nine clearances) were key contributors for Western Australia, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the strength and depth of the Victorian squad. The performance of Hogan, however, provided a significant bright spot for the home side, showcasing his aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability.
The success of the match, evidenced by the sell-out crowd and the engaging contest, suggests a strong appetite for State of Origin football. However, the significant injury toll raises legitimate concerns about player welfare and the sustainability of the format. The AFL will undoubtedly need to carefully consider these factors as they evaluate the future of State of Origin, balancing the desire for a thrilling spectacle with the need to protect its players.
The question now is whether this revival will be a one-off event or the beginning of a new tradition. The enthusiasm displayed by players and fans alike suggests a promising future, but the league must address the injury concerns to ensure the long-term viability of State of Origin football. The return of this classic rivalry has undoubtedly injected excitement into the AFL landscape, but its continued success hinges on finding a balance between intensity and player safety.
