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AFL State of Origin set to make comeback

Emma Henderson new author
Roar Rookie
26th June, 2018
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A great day for AFL Origin. But not the best (AFL Photos/GSP)
Emma Henderson new author
Roar Rookie
26th June, 2018
40

The illustrious AFL State of Origin could be set to make a comeback, with a multitude of players and fans coming out in support of the game over the past few years.

With the last game of representative football being played in early 2008 for AFL’s 150th anniversary, fans and footballers alike craving their next fix of the incredible star-studded game.

Introduction of the game could begin in pre-season, without disrupting the overloaded season fixtures. Placing the game in between AFLW and the premiership season provides a breather for the already crowded calendar; while also allowing an opportunity to dispense of AFLX in the process. State of Origin truly encompasses everything the AFLX could have been.

This pre-season ingression also provides an opportunity to set a precedent for the induction of particular rule changes currently being considered by the AFL.

Alterations such as starting positions at stoppages may be among the few modifications chosen to assist with clearing the congestion currently clogging the game.

By permitting these changes to be trialled through the State of Origin, the AFL will be appeasing the masses, while also gaining significant and detailed datum on how these alterations will work in a practical sense.

Brent Harvey for Victoria in the rooms with the trophy and the E.J Whitten Medal

The AFL could do with some kind of rep football. (AFL Photos/GSP)

This will also allow for an introduction of the new rules as they were intended, to be viewed through the AFL’s best players, properly exhibiting the functionality behind them.

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The AFL itself should also see a heightened profit increase, with the sum of money they’ll acquire from ticket sales, memorabilia and TV interest, it would be remiss for them to not even consider reinstating these legendary matches.

And what about the fans? Seeing their favourite football legends come together for one large clash? It’s not just the players who will benefit from this; the thought of seeing Eddie Betts and Robbie Gray side-by-side slamming goals through the sticks should be enough to get any true footy fan’s blood pumping.

Chris Judd and Scott Pendlebury are certainly huge advocates, with Pendlebury stating, “I’ve been a big supporter of this, I understand it’s not without its challenges, [but] I’m confident we’ll get there eventually and it’ll be exciting for everyone involved once we do.”

Judd wrote in a piece for Fairfax, “The AFL should let this naturally evolve, and embrace the fact that this has the chance to be something unique to AFL.”

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With backing from two of the greats, it can be said we are clearly missing out on something big. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia talking, but, with an extra $10,000 to pocket for players, and a restoration of fierce competitiveness, it’s clear there are financial and subjective benefits to be reaped.

Veteran Bulldog, Bob Murphy, another pro-Origin past player also explains, “In 2008, I had the honour of wearing the Big V for real in an exhibition team against the Dream Team. It was everything you would want that experience to be. The game was exhilarating. It was high scoring, fast and no one got seriously injured.”

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And as the era of the small forward commences, there’s so much to consider in bringing back the fast-paced, sharp-shooting game, with the AFL exhibiting all the league has to offer. Players like Betts will truly thrive in this environment, with seemingly random kicks being booted from all directions; yet making it straight through the middle based on that pure skill, only exhibited by a special few.

But that’s exactly what will be showcased during State of Origin. The leagues finest talents, the most highly skilled and anticipated players, all on-field together for massive blockbuster games. Kennedy and Franklin, Dusty and Bontempelli, Daniher and Danger. The collaborations of big names are endless.

The State of Origin return is also backed with statistics, with more than 82 per cent of AFL players and 92 per cent of fans voting to bring back the beloved game.

It can be said that the AFL has a duty to both supporters and players to set this in motion.

And although there are a few roadblocks such as the clubs’ wariness of injuries and not releasing star players, a packed fixture with only one bye round per team, and a dismal 26,063 crowd in the final 1999 clash between South Australia and Victoria, the creation a due and proper process to selection will eliminate these risks.

These wishes will clearly be rebuffed by the league, despite prominent advocates Chris Judd, Scott Pendlebury, and Bob Murphy, but there is still hope, with the AFL Player’s Association’s (AFLPA) consistent attempts to influence the AFL in the direction of State of Origin for upcoming years; so hopefully we’ll be seeing it on screen shortly.

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