What Harley Reid and Chad Warner could look like
Western Australia’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Saffioti, has confirmed the state is prepared to host a State of Origin match against Victoria, potentially reviving a historic rivalry. Discussions are underway following a proposal from the AFL to stage the game at Optus Stadium in February next year.
While Saffioti remained cautious about revealing specific details, she acknowledged that the state government is actively engaged in talks with the AFL. “There has been a proposal put forward and we are having a look at it,” she stated. “Ultimately, it’s a decision for the AFL and the clubs, but WA has put its hand up saying that if there’s a State of Origin, we want it in WA.”
Historical Rivalry and Recent Success
The potential match at Optus Stadium would mark a significant moment in the State of Origin’s storied history. The first match between Victoria and WA took place in 1977, with memorable clashes that have become part of Australian football folklore. The late Ted Whitten’s famous rallying cry, “Stuck it right up em,” encapsulates the passion these games inspired.
Saffioti highlighted the success of the Indigenous All-Stars v Dockers exhibition clash earlier this year as evidence of the strong local appetite for high-profile matches. “We’ve demonstrated that West Australians love these events, love these iconic games, and we stand very ready to be hosting a State of Origin in football,” she said.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the enthusiasm, several hurdles remain before the match can be confirmed. One of the primary challenges is securing agreement from AFL clubs, coaches, and the AFL Players Association. Timing has been a sticking point, as noted by Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, who emphasized the importance of scheduling in garnering player support.
Speculation is already rife about potential team line-ups. Carlton’s Patrick Cripps is a likely candidate to captain the WA side, while Victoria could see leadership from Max Gawn, Patrick Dangerfield, or Marcus Bontempelli. The prospect of West Coast’s Harley Reid facing off against WA’s Chad Warner adds to the excitement.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations continue, the WA government remains committed to securing the event. Saffioti expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a successful match, citing both the venue and the enthusiastic local fan base as key factors. “We believe it would be an incredible game, and many West Australians remember going and watching some of those incredible State of Origin clashes at Subiaco and the WACA,” she remarked.
The potential revival of the State of Origin series represents not only a nod to the past but also an opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of Australian football in Western Australia. With the AFL and state government backing the initiative, the focus now shifts to aligning all parties involved to bring this iconic event back to life.
While Saffioti refrained from commenting on whether the match would be part of a broader strategy to attract events like the Gather Round to WA, she acknowledged that such discussions are ongoing. As the state positions itself as a premier destination for major sporting events, the prospect of hosting a State of Origin match underscores WA’s commitment to celebrating and promoting Australian football.
