Upon the start of the 2016 AFL season, I sat in a University tutorial discussing the hype that the NRL’s State of Origin creates each year no matter the circumstance.
It is an all-out battle with big hits, biff and a genuine drive to win. Queensland versus New South Wales never meant so much and yet despite the recent dominance of Queensland over the past decade, Origin never became repetitive or boring.
I’m definitely not the first bloke to make a call for it, but after Round 1 of the AFL has passed I can’t see any reason why the AFL does not bring Origin back.
A genuine rivalry between the Big V and the Croweaters-reborn played across the mega games under the lights of the ‘G and Adelaide Oval… to me nothing seems better.
The last time the two teams went head to head was May 29, 1999, at the MCG with a measly 26,000 in attendance to watch the Big V dispatch the Croweaters comfortably.
In today’s football, I will not deny, as a South Australian, that Victoria would boast most of the league’s premier talent. If the game was to go forth they would field names like Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Pendlebury, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Lance Franklin, Scott Selwood, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Todd Goldstein, Dan Hannebery, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines, Dustin Martin, Alex Rance, Jake Stringer and both Josh Kennedys.
To see those names on any opposing list is definitely frightening, and in comparison to a list of South Australia’s best which would most likely include the likes of Chad Wingard, Sam Jacobs, Eddie Betts, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith, Hamish Hartlett, Shannon Hurn, Bernie Vince, Scott Thompson, Matthew Pavlich, Corey Enright, Lachie Neale, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Ebert, Phil Davis, Paul Puopolo and maybe the emergence of nuggety Caleb Daniel.
Despite what some may point to being a large gap in list talent, in the context of the battle and passion that would come along with representing your state on a new stage for all of Australia to see, the game would be pretty competitive.
It would be so satisfying to watch some of the AFL’s best play it out in a heated environment, with everything to play for and the attitude of having to win. There wouldn’t be anything better to watch.
So I say to the AFL, bring back the Big V and the Croweaters, give us Origin, and sit back, crack open a cold one and enjoy the show.
Ron Jeremy
Guest
But it isn't true. It's the second most followed sport in Australia.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
When the AFL scrapped SOO I don't recall there being much of an outcry from anyone. The NRL has gone from strength to strength with their version, but that's understandable since they have the perfect platform for the concept. That is, only two states involved. That will likely never change. Very simple really.
Knoxy
Guest
Actually we just don't really care about it because we don't an inferiority complex like people from SA and WA.
Giddy
Guest
If it were to happen, my idea would be this - for starters it is only played every 2nd year. This would give it more meaning, would be more of a privilege for the players selected, and also not as much of a burden on coaches and clubs. Secondly it needs a "champion" state. Ideally it would be good to have all states play individually, but as it stands there are 3 dominant states. These days an allies team would be very competitive and capable of being the best. In year one the 4 teams are drawn to play at random. 2 years later the 2 winners of those games play off to be "champion", whilst the 2 losers play off for a place in the championship game in a further 2 years. The loser of the champion game is relegated to play in the 3rd vs 4th qualifiying game and so on. In this way it becomes more important to everyone as a loss in either game means your state is at least 4 years away from being champion. Also the champion has 2 years of bragging rights as the number 1 footy state
State of Origin Fan
Guest
Spot on! But if it is to come back it has to be in a tournament, there has to be something to play for, otherwise players will play a few times and then not again. Play a 3 week Pre-Season tournament during the NAB Challenge, so clubs won't mind players playing because they'd be playing anyway. Have a Championship Cup, Championship Medals, Best on Ground Medals and cash prizes for best on ground, to give incentive for players to play and play well. And promote they Hell Out Of It! If the AFL want more money from T.V Rights, then 5 All Star games would definitely do that! If it becomes popular, which is a good chance, the AFL could make several hundred million dollars from T.V Rights!
Onside
Guest
You're right . Tassie. Sorry folks. But I remember Halwes.
Chancho
Roar Rookie
You've forgotten Tassie... that then makes 6 side. I'd love to have it back simply for the benefit rep footy brings, the thing is that any comp would need to be meaningful big match experience, and also while there is such an in-balance between the states I don't know how it could work. Then you have to make sure those big states get a clash too. I just think that the thing holding it back is the in-balance between the states and that tends to diminish the viewing appeal.
Chancho
Roar Rookie
Yeah, you'd have to think the WA side would be well represented. I'd love to have an origin series back in AFL just so there is some rep footy... couple ideas I have: 1. some form of mid-year SoO but one that's organised to get rookies and guys playing in affiliate sides but have senior players intertwined with a view to generating big game experience for some of the kids. 2. in the post season have the 3 main states (not sure what to do with Tassie/NSW/Qld as composite sides don't work or if they can field separate sides at the moment) and Ireland in a rep type cometition
BigAl
Guest
Yeah YEAH !! - and lets call them The Allies
joe b
Guest
Dinosaurs? Vic v Everyone a good start? No WA or SA footy fans like a composite team, it is so insulting. No one was interested in the silly Vic v All Stars game they played a couple of years ago.... except the Vics. Aussie Rules is only played in Australia , most states are represented at club level... no need, or will, for state representative sides.
mattyb
Guest
Epiquin,I'm surprised by that and thank you,it certainly puts origins importance into perspective. Your prestige comments makes me think that kids who follow league probably dream of playing origin as there number one priority from an early age. I think going by your comments that when fellow AFL supporters say they casually follow league but don't like players from their team missing an NRL match they are being more than just naive but selfishly expecting players to forego their dreams to appease their casual interest. I must say even though I love AFL I do feel envious towards sports that get to represent Australia but I also feel league supporters are very fortunate to have such a Jewell as SoO.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Strangely enough, it actually has very little do with the Kangaroos selection. The annual trans-tasman test has been played BEFORE Origin for years now (though I believe this is getting scrapped from the schedule soon in favour of post-season test). By the time post-season internationals are played, club form changes and we often have a number of players making their international debut who have never even played Origin. There are often a large number of withdrawals from international League which has caused some pundits to argue that SoO has actually surpassed internationals in terms of prestige.
mattyb
Guest
I follow AFL Agaent11 and don't really watch much RL outside of origin but I agree with your comments and many responses on this topic have been poor and some even very Victorian centric,it's has been both disappointing and funny. Something not mentioned yet that you might be able to help me with due to my lack of knowledge is how much does SoO have to do with the picking of The Kangaroos side. Aussie Rules being Australian only might not need it but goes Australian selection stem from origin matches much? Does the experience of playing origin hold the players in better stead for international duties?
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Leave RL alone richo. It'll never live up to the lofty heights of last week's Swans collingwood clash, nor will it boast mega-clubs like GWS or GC. The gimmick of Origin has been building nicely for 36 years, so I'm sure it will wear off soon...
mattyb
Guest
Victorians tend to think the code is their state Epiquin. ;)
richo
Guest
funny coz its true
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Actually changing the rules so less of those players can play state of origin. No more moved to Australia at 18 and played a game of league in qld so I qualify anymore. Rules are must have been in that state from 13yrs old. The rest doesn't matter as that eliminates most blow ins from selection.
Agent11
Guest
lol some AFL people really get defensive when you mention how massive origin is - "its only because the NRL comp is rubbish" funny stuff
richo
Guest
no…players and clubs dont want it as its too much of a risk to the greater cause, which is winning a premiership. the only reason it works with NRL is becasue their week in week out domestic offering is complete rubbish. AFL week in week out draws a massive following and stat of origin is just a stupid sideshow that may have a small spike to begin with but quickly wears off. dont bring it back
richo
Guest
no...players and clubs dont want it as its too much of a risk to the greater cause, which is winning a premiership. the only reason it works with NRL is becasue their week in week out domestic offering is complete rubbish. AFL week in week out draws a massive following and stat of origin is just a stupid sideshow that may have a small spike to begin with but quickly wears off. dont bring it back