It’s that time of the year once again.
While rugby league fans immerse themselves in the beauty of State of Origin, footy fans are left wondering what could be for their code.
But who exactly would be selected for each side if the AFL had a change in heart?
In this six-part series, I will select the best 22 for six State of Origin teams (Vic Metro, Vic Country, South Australia, Western Australia, Indigenous All Stars, and the Allies). As there can be endless possibilities, here are a few things to note:
– The Allies team consists of players from New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, as well as international players.
– Players are predominantly selected based on their 2022 performance so far, but also the value they provide for their team.
– Injured players at the time of selection will not be picked.
This Western Australian outfit is injury-riddled to say the least, with four key players missing from the side (English, McGovern, Naitanui, Acres). However, the reinforcements are having solid seasons (Darcy Cameron, Fisher, McIntosh, Nic Martin). A healthy team could be very dangerous.
Defence
Brandon Starcevich
One of the best lockdown defenders in the competition, Starcevich is due for his maiden All Australian selection. The Brisbane defender has successfully defended some of game’s biggest names, including Dustin Martin, on a few occasions.
Sam Taylor
Taylor has come of age in the Giants backline, shutting down some of the league’s best tall forwards. In the top echelon for intercept marks and spoils, Taylor would have no issues as the marquee key defender in this side.
Nathan Broad
A significant member of Richmond’s premiership-winning defence, Broad should also be a significant member in this team. Ranking elite for intercept marks and spoils, Broad is fully equipped to be a consistent part of the Western Australian team.
Daniel Rich
Ever so reliable with the ball at halfback, Rich would provide much-needed experience. Third in the league for rebound 50s, and leader for effective kicks, the lethal left-footer has been so consistent for the Lions.
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Marcus Adams
Solid in defence since his move to the Lions, Adams would be a vital member of this side. With the support of intercept defenders around him, this allows Adams to play a lockdown role on a key forward.
Trent Rivers
After having a breakout season last year, Rivers has shown poise in his short career at the Demons. The premiership player is averaging 15 disposals and five marks per game.
Followers
Darcy Cameron
Given an opportunity at Collingwood with Grundy sidelined, Cameron has starred as the main man. Ranked elite for contested marks and intercept marks, the Pies’ big man is also having the same presence Grundy did around the ground.
Patrick Cripps
Back to his best, the Carlton captain has revitalised his career. Averaging 28 disposals and seven clearances per match, Cripps has formed part of the reason that the Blues are in finals contention.
Chad Warner
One of the most improved players in the competition, Warner has thrived in the Swans midfield. Racking up 22 touches a game in his third season, the Swans young gun could be a fixture in his state team for years to come.
Midfield
Kamdyn McIntosh
A regular fixture in the Richmond line-up, McIntosh is underrated considering what he brings for the Tigers every week, and there is no doubt his talents would be valued by the Western Australians.
Jaeger O’Meara
Although riddled with injury this season, the Hawks skipper since his move to the club has been a consistent performer. O’Meara would be a great addition to the WA side.
Mitch Duncan
He might not be having his best season in 2022, but Duncan’s experience is a huge asset for this team. The 2011 premiership player provides that run and carry that can launch them deep into attack.
Forwards
Nat Fyfe
You know a team is stacked when Fyfe is relegated to a half-forward flank. Missing the first half of the season, the dual Brownlow Medallist would be a handy welcome into this side.
Luke Jackson
Instrumental throughout the 2021 season, Jackson is continuing to put good games together. Posting career-high numbers across the board, the Dees backup ruckman is becoming a star in the making.
Stephen Coniglio
The GWS captain has got his career back on track. After a poor 2021 season, Coniglio is averaging 25 disposals a game thanks to a move back into the midfield.
Josh Kennedy
A cult hero in Western Australia, Kennedy has the players around him to wind back the clock and do his state proud. The third highest goal kicker amongst active players, the Eagles forward would be a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Aaron Naughton
Ranking third in the Coleman race, the Bulldogs spearhead just continues to kick goals. Despite a strong WA forward line, Naughton should get ample opportunities to convert.
Cody Weightman and Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs celebrate a goal. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Liam Baker
Considered to be Mr Fixit according to many at Tigerland, Baker would fulfil that role in this side. Named at forward pocket due to a lack of small forwards, the Richmond utility should have no trouble adapting to this role.
Interchange
Tom Barrass
A general down back for the Eagles, Barrass should be an appropriate reinforcement for the West Australian backline. Ranked elite for intercept marking, the West Coast defender remains cool, calm and collected under pressure.
Zac Fisher
The Blues small forward has helped contribute immensely to his team’s mosquito fleet this season. Averaging 19 disposals and a goal per game, the livewire would be handy for his state team.
David Swallow
Swallow’s move to half back has been a big win for Gold Coast this season. Helping them to a 7-7 start, the ex-captain would provide some good minutes off the bench for WA.
Nic Martin
Selected as a rookie during the pre-season supplemental period, Martin has wasted no time showing that he is capable at AFL level. Five goals and 27 disposals on debut was all it took to stamp his name on the competition.
Coach: Justin Longmuir
One of the frontrunners for coach of the year, Longmuir has turned Fremantle into a finals contender in just his third season. Sitting at 10-3, the Dockers coach has the capability to take Western Australia all the way.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I know. But Victorians killed it. Tassie, WA & SA loved it.
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
Let's be honest. It's not coming back :laughing:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It'd have to be a 3-State series at the very least. I would not want to miss the opportunity of WA and SA both beating Victoria.
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
If you were going to pick 2 states for SOO it would easily be SA v Vic.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
1. I am not sure that the same tribal/skill set parameters exist between any of the states in AFL. ------- I'm sorry but I'm not sure how you got that because SA loves to hate Victoria. In fact SA v Victoria games were the most attended of the series. -------- When l came to NSW, over 30 years ago, a mate tried to get me to go for NSW. I said What's the history? At the end of his spiel l said I'm going for Qld, it'd feel like I'm going for Victoria if l went for your mob. Go Qld!!!
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
If the socceroos played Liverpool in a three match series across the country, it would probably do those things as well. But it would still be meaningless.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Yes, I’ve canvassed that before. And the reason it works it’s because there is only 2 states. So much for the popularity of that football. ——- Where the rot set in was when VFL clubs wouldn’t let their players go for a SOO match that didn’t involve Victoria. So when there were matches between the other three some weren’t allowed to go and play for their state. Because of some BS. Another Victorian Arrogance Display (AVAD) ——- Victoria killed it because they were no-one special when it came to winning. They were not clearly the best despite having the history and (alleged) ownership of the game. Victoria outpopulates the other three, combined, and the best they could do was about even.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
SOO in AFL was also very even. Look at the record. I dunno why people think Victoria were head n shoulders above SA & WA because they weren’t. It’s Victorian arrogance writ large to promote any other trope. Now unless l counted wrong WA & SA are on the same amount of wins as Victoria when you only count matches between the three. SA lost to Tas once, WA lost to NSW once. Victoria lost to both :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Dionysus
Guest
If you think Leagues SOO is a meaningless exhibition game then it is a meaningless exhibition game that packs out stadiums, has sky high TV ratings and sells to more than a couple of overseas TV companies. Not bad for something so meaningless.
Dionysus
Guest
State of Origin in Rugby League is a success because it is built on just two states. The tribal rivalry that exists between those two states is what State of Origin and that rivalry is fierce. They are also two states that are pretty evanly matched in terms of talent. It has been suggested that SOO in League should be expanded by including Victoria or a "hybrid" state made up from none QLD/NSW players but I think that people suggesting that don't understand the uniqueness of what SOO is in Rugby League. So in examining how this concept could work in AFL I would comment as follows 1. I am not sure that the same tribal/skill set parameters exist between any of the states in AFL. So why this does not prevent its success it is unlikely to capture the NRL's sense of Origin. 2 Using combinations of states in the manner suggested is unlikely to work. It just becomes some randomly concocted competition without the underlying factors that makes Leagues SOO so special. 3. To make this work in the AFL then we need to find something that is unique about AFL and then build a competition around that.
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
Because NRL is still basically a 2 state comp.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Well why didn't the same happen to the NRL?
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Your boy will always look up to my boy.
Maximus Insight
Guest
"But Victoria killed SOO because, abstractly, they hated being beaten by SA, WA & even Tas." Yeah, that was also just a ruse because Victorian's hated getting beaten by the smaller states.....rather than just being what it was, professionalising clubs prioritising their club interests
Maximus Insight
Guest
I reckon you probably should have started this series with your overall concept It didn't really need clearing up. It was clear you had made some pretty strange conceptual decisions which people are naturally going to take a crack at. And if it is just a hypthetical, it seems strange to leave out NSW/ACT, which would probably have a decent team compared to an indigenous team or even a SA team minus its indigenous players......and also include players currently injured.. ...if SoO ever comes back it aint ever going to be mid season
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I'll see your boy and raise you my boy...
Micko
Roar Rookie
Why though???!
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
Let the NRL have their SOO. Its a meaningless exhibition game - I have no idea how they have manufactured interest in it so long. Would hate to see the tiges lose a key player for this kind of jolly. Thankfully the clubs don't seem to be prepared to cop it. If it means so much to others pit the teal cup on the telly and use that for your bragging rights.
Jackson Mansell
Roar Rookie
I would put Jackson at CHF and play solely as a forward. Nic Nat and English would rotate as rucks. Nic Nat would be the more dominant ruck in terms of ball-winning ability, but English would be more of a dual position player that could overwork the second ruckman of any side.
Jackson Mansell
Roar Rookie
This side is definitely not robbed of options that's for sure!