The 1986 State of Origin game at Subiaco between Western Australia and Victoria has rightfully been regarded by many people as one of the greatest games – not just in State of Origin – but in the 150 years of Australian Football.
It was to be the last of the ‘true’ State of Origin games before the advent of the West Coast Eagles in 1987. Their inclusion meant that the WA football public got to see the best talents of WA (made up of players from the local WAFL like Laurie Keene and current North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley and ex-pats from WA like Leon Baker, Ross Glendinning and Phil Narkle playing in the then VFL in Melbourne) taking on the very best the VFL had to offer, like Paul Salmon, Dale Weightman, Dermott Brereton.
The coach of the Victorian side was then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy and the skipper of the Vics was Terry Daniher, while leading the WA team was coach Ron Alexander and skipper, former Geelong player Brian Peake.
When people talk of great State of Origin matches, and great Australian Rules games, no matter at what level it is this one always gets a mention.
In all due respect to the games between South Australia and Victoria in the mid 1980’s and early 90’s at Football Park, no other game has been spoken of in revered tones as much as the ’86 State of Origin clash at Subiaco between the Sandgropers and the Vics.
Ask any of the players who played in that match – Laurie Keene, Greg Williams, Maurice Rioli, Paul Salmon, Dean Laidley, Dermott Brereton just to name a few – where they rate this game, and they’d tell you it was one of the greatest games they have played in their careers, outside of grand finals.
The first 3 quarters was A-OK, which WA had a lead of 4-5 goals during that time and looked to break away to record a comfortable victory, but Victoria kept WA in check.
But what happened in the final quarter will never be forgotten by not just those who were at Subiaco, but also watching the game on TV in WA and Victoria.
24 years later, the memories of this game, and that thrilling last quarter-come flooding back:
– Brian Peake’s 7 goals for WA
– Andrew MacNish’s screamer in the last quarter
– Seven lead changes in the last quarter
– Andrew Bews’ goal which looked to have the game sealed for the Vics.
– Brian Royal and Dale Weightman each kicking 5 goals
– Gary Buckenara’s goal that won the game for WA
– Wayne Blackwell’s smother that saved the game – and the Australian championships – for WA
One of the all-time classic games in Aussie Rules history-the 1986 WA v Victoria State of Origin.
SCOREBOARD-1986 State of Origin
WEST AUSTRALIA 4.4 9.5 15.10 21. 11 (137)
VICTORIA 4.5 7.7 12.10 20.14 (134)Goals WA: Peake 7, Buckenara 5, MacNish 3, Mitchell 3, Rioli 2, Baker, Wilson
Goals VIC: Weightman 5, Royal 5, Taylor 4, Brereton 3, Alvin, Bews, HealySimpson Medal: Brad Hardie (WA)
E.J. Whitten Medal: Dale Weightman (Vic)Umpires: David Johnson (WA), Ross Castle (Vic)
At Subiaco Oval
Crowd: 39, 863
Ian
Guest
They had a replay last night. Great game for sure, but the umpiring was appalling. Countless times players were given soft frees, many resulting in goals, when they should have been penalised for holding the ball.
Lroy
Guest
Ah cheers mate, I forgot I made this comment, just came across this now ;-)
Andrew Brown
Guest
Want to buy on dvd or vhs wa v victoria afl VFL state of origin games from subiaco and in melbourne from1977 to 1995 have searched high and low
Wayne Elliott
Guest
This game was just on Fox Footy. Great game. How good was Brian Peake. He was played out of position early on at Geelong partly due to having a star in Featherby in the centre. When finally played in the centre he was a dominant player for the Cats. Just would like to know Geoff Miles eligibilty for WA, as he was a Victorian. My guess is that as he was playing for Claremont, and not selected for Victoria, made him eligible for WA?
stav
Guest
The 86' state of origin will forever be etched into my mind forever...never forget those moments - Andrew MacNish mark was a screamer.. But never seams to get mentioned in best marks of all time - Buckenaras snap for goal in the dying minute - Blackwells smother - Brian Peakes 7 goals Wish i had a time machine and go back to that era of footy
Jason Cave
Guest
This is the WA side that lined up against the Big V: B: Brad Hardie Geoff Miles Shane Ellis HB: Dean Laidley Ross Glendinning Rod Lester-Smith C: Peter Davidson Leon Baker Phil Narkle HF: Gary Buckenara Peter Satori Andrew Macnish F: Peter Wilson Brian Peake (c) Maurice Rioli R: Laurie Keene Dwayne Lamb Michael Mitchell INT: Wayne Blackwell Paul Harding Colin Waterson Mark Bairstow COACH: Ron Alexander
Lroy
Guest
Does anyone have the actual line up of the 86 side?.. and compare with how many of them played for the Eagles the following year? From memory most of the top WA players got signed up by Victorian clubs just prior to the Eagles being formed, Nicky Winmar and Mark Bairstow are two that come to mind..
Brendomc
Guest
Thanks Mr Football, Ill be sure to follow those leads... Cheers!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Inside Footy used to advertise videos of classic matches. Failing that, there's a bloke on BF called mianfei who seems to have a massive personal library of old games. If you're a member of BF, PM him and he might be able to help you (with advice about where to go): http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=571130&page=15
Brendomc
Guest
Hey does anyone know where I can get a copy of this match for my old man? ( Its the best game he has ever seen and I would love to track it down for a gift )
Jason Cave
Guest
Interesting to note that several players from the 1986 WA side ended up playing for the new AFL team from WA, which was to become known as the West Coast Eagles, among them Dean Laidley, Dwayne Lamb, Laurie Keene, Ross Glendinning, Phil Narkle, Chris Waterson and Robert Wiley (didn't play in the State of Origin but was part of the WA squad).
drewster
Roar Pro
Ahh! the memories of those origin days and games. Absolute classics, no other way to say it! It was a must to take the Tuesday in July (if my memory serves me correctly) off work and go to those games at Subi Oval. Hard to part the 84 and 86 games though especially as a West Aussie. Can still vividly recall Bucky's snap shot for goal in the final minute in 86. What a shame the AFL origin games lost that stigma. Love the article Jason, Thanks for a stroll down memory lane!
matta
Guest
haha Jason. Wasnt the only award Brad Hardie won that people really questioned. I remember him winning the Brownlow and hardly stringing 4 good 1/4's together for the rest of his career.
Jason Cave
Guest
Oh, and one other thing re the WA-Vic classic of 1986. Could someone explain to me how WA's Brad Hardie won the Simpson Medal despite the fact that Victoria's Brian Royal & Dale Weightman each kicked 10 goals on him? WA's Brian Peake should have been the rightful winner of the medal for his 7 goals that day.
Jason Cave
Guest
Alpha magazine announced the 10 best games in Aussie Rules history in their latest edition. The '86 WA-Vic classic made it into that list, which gives you an idea just how great this game was. In the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Gary Buckenara's WA jumper from that match is on display. Whenever I see that jumper, the memories of that match come flooding back.
Matt
Guest
hmmm, maybe Channel 7 would still have it - I wonder how much it would cost to buy? It was certainly broadcast on Channel 7 - I remember Lou Richards referring to Dennis Cometti as "Dessie" in the commentary, which even as a 12 year old I thought was pretty odd. If I find it I will post its whereabouts here.
Chris
Guest
Interesting to read the comments about this game, which I rate as the best ever state game I have seen. Savvas comment regarding those players is ill informed as Lamb played over 150 games and regularly tagged players the likes of Williams and Co.
Ian B
Guest
Hi, nice read thanks. i am looking for a copy of the 1984 state of origin game SA v VIC if anyone has one would be great.
mal
Guest
hey matt ive been looking for a year and still havent found that game as well as the 84 game so i would be very happy if you come across it that you let me know as my local super rules team are at me to find it. WHAT A GAME THE BEST EVER
Matt
Guest
I sat on the Roberts Rd side wing near the old scoreboard and watched this match. I was only 12 years old and I will never forget it -Macnish's mark and subsequent point... then Buckenara setting that snap high into the air and through the goals, not to mention Blackwell's smother. Christ, what a match. I don't think I will ever see another one quite like it. Best game of football I ever saw, no doubt. Anyone know where you can get a copy of this match?