AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
More than 20 years after the last State of Origin match was played, the AFL is considering reviving the concept to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis. And the game’s biggest names are queuing up to play.
State of Origin could be revived in aid of the devastating bushfire crisis that has engulfed the country.
The Herald Sun last night revealed that the AFL is considering staging a game of representative football among current AFL stars among a raft of initiatives on the table to support bushfire-ravaged communities in Victoria and beyond.
The league – which has spent recent days formulating its support for those affected by the extensive fires in East Gippsland, the Alpine region of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia – has debated a range of fundraising initiatives.
A State of Origin match – the likes of which has not been played for almost 21 years – between two teams comprised of current AFL players has emerged as a frontrunner and could be held as soon as next month.
The potential move has been met with early support from some of the game’s biggest names, with AFL Players’ Association president and Geelong champ Patrick Dangerfield quick to back the fundraiser.
“Let’s make it happen!” Dangerfield wrote on Twitter after the Herald Sun last night revealed the possible Origin revival.
Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury said “bring it back”, while star ruckmen Max Gawn and Nic Naitanui – who could potentially line-up against one another – were also quick to put their hand up for any Origin game.
The AFL confirmed on Tuesday that discussions were continuing for short-term fundraising initiatives, along with long-term support to help communities and regional clubs impacted by the fires.
It is understood Marvel Stadium is being considered as a venue for the representative clash with a potential match date of February 28.
On Wednesday morning the League said it was considering an ‘All-Stars’ match, perhaps similar to the one staged in 2008.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Mooted: Victoria vs All Stars (from all other states). Second week of preseason comp. No more than 4 players per club selected, and the players who play in this game and sit out a club preseason game.
I hope it happens. From the fundraising but also putting in a rep game each preseason.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
If the players are getting behind it, it’ll happen. I like the idea, just praying for no injuries.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
comrade
If the players are getting behind it, it’ll happen. I like the idea, just praying for no injuries.
My guess is it will be a little 'bruise free footy' almost as if they'd just played a first or second preseason game. I wonder if it helps our guys progression through their preseasons?
If we have a maximum 4 players. I wonder who they could be? Naughton can't be risked. So maybe Bonts, Macrae, Hunter & Dunkley? Maybe English to join Nic Nat rucking for the All Stars? (If Grundy didn't play)
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
You would think it would be an NBA All Star type game - not taken too seriously, nothing rough, nice skills on display, little defence and high scoring. Just a bit of light entertainment and a nice little fundraiser for the bushfires.
Of course there is always the risk of injury, players even seem to manage to hurt themselves doing innocuous activities far removed from the footy field.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bulldogtragic
If we have a maximum 4 players. I wonder who they could be? Naughton can't be risked. So maybe Bonts, Macrae, Hunter & Dunkley? Maybe English to join Nic Nat rucking for the All Stars? (If Grundy didn't play)
Not sure anyone would ask for three starting mids from one team + wing.
I suspect JJ gets a run for the all stars, Bont and Hunter for Vic.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
AFL.com.au Teams
Victoria
B: Tom Stewart (Geelong), Daniel Talia (Adelaide), Adam Saad (Essendon)
HB: James Sicily (Hawthorn), Michael Hurley (Essendon), Sam Docherty (Carlton)
C: Jack Macrae (WB), Dustin Martin (Richmond), Zach Merrett (Essendon)
HF: Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne), Tom Lynch (Richmond), Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
F: Toby Greene (GWS), Jeremy Cameron (GWS), Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)
R: Max Gawn (Melbourne), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong), Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
Int: Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne), Sam Walsh (Carlton), Gary Ablett (Geelong), Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)
All Stars (NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, NT, South Australia and Western Australia)
B: Rory Laird (Adelaide), Steven May (Melbourne), Dane Rampe (Sydney)
HB: Brodie Smith (Adelaide), Harris Andrews (Brisbane), Shannon Hurn (West Coast)
C: Bradley Hill (St Kilda), Patrick Cripps (Carlton), Tim Kelly (West Coast)
HF: Charlie Cameron (Brisbane), Jack Riewoldt (Richmond), Isaac Heeney (Sydney)
F: Michael Walters (Fremantle), Ben Brown (North Melbourne), Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs)
R: Brodie Grundy (Collingwood), Nat Fyfe (Fremantle), Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
Int: Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn), Stephen Coniglio (GWS), Elliot Yeo (West Coast), Alex Sexton (Gold Coast), Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide), Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
I had no idea Rampe was from NSW, only knew him as a Willy player.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
How the AFL side can pick Gary Ablett is beyond me. Is this a team by reputation or best players?
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Axe Man
They can't even put in the reigning Premiership coach.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bornadog
They can't even put in the Premiership coach.
Which one? Of current coaches Clarkson has won 4 v Hardwick 2 and Bevo/Scott/Simpson 1 each from Victoria.
For the Allies I think it's just Longmire v Worsfold with 1 each.
Don't think the coaches are going to matter much anyway, it's just a ceremonial role.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Axe Man
Which one? Of current coaches Clarkson has won 4 v Hardwick 2 and Bevo/Scott/Simpson 1 each from Victoria.
For the Allies I think it's just Longmire v Worsfold with 1 each.
Don't think the coaches are going to matter much anyway, it's just a ceremonial role.
ok Fixed - should be reigning
To tell you the truth, I don't want any Bulldogs players playing. Great cause to raise money, otherwise means nothing.
I have never been a fan of SOO
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bornadog
How the AFL side can pick Gary Ablett is beyond me. Is this a team by reputation or best players?
All stars so it would definitley include Gary.
Re: AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bornadog
They can't even put in the reigning Premiership coach.
I would say the players would get a say in if they want to play in it and the smallest niggle would keep them out, so don’t be surprised if a few all stars aren’t playing.
Basically picked by players who put their hand up.
I dread the thought of a player getting a major injury.