AFL To Resurrect the State of Origin?

Q. What's a Victorian footy fan's fantasy?

A. Chris Judd in a Victorian jersey.

Or so it seems, as this scenario recently came up several times in the media on the subject of the possible resurrection of AFL State of Origin games. (Feel free to suggest others. There's lots!)

I've only been to one State game and it certainly wasn't State of Origin. It was NSW vs Vic at the SCG in the late 1980s. To bolster the home team, the AFL allowed any player who'd ever played for the Swans to participate. It was memorable for several reasons. The whole game was played in a torrential downpour. The four Daniher brothers competed. NSW won. From memory, Ted Whitten (there as head of the Vic selectors) was heckled from the member's stand and was in tears! Memories ...

My late father, being Western Australian, liked the old State competition. In the days of the VFL, state games were the only time that WA (and SA) fans could watch home grown talent that usually competed in far away Victoria. State games were the pinnacle of a competition that lacked an international dimension.

The advent of the AFL saw the concept wither. Interstate fans can now watch their compatriots at their home grounds. The clubs weren't keen. The last attempt was in 1999.

Now the AFL is now talking about bringing them back. I suppose they'd like to have something that approaches the ARL version, but they'd have to invent a way to make players want to participate. Rugby League doesn't have that problem as players aren't likely to qualify for internationals without being first being selected for SoO. Historically, there's been no similar incentive for AFL players to risk injury and their club's chances at a flag.

To be successful, the AFL will have to persuade (read 'coerce') players to participate. Perhaps make SoO participation a pre-requisite for playing the Irish* in the International Rules hybrid game, or perhaps to be eligible for a Brownlow, or even AFL All Australian selection.

I like to see them back as a one week, mid season event, but only if the best players play. Otherwise, the regular 'home and away' will do nicely.

*If they ever talk to each other again!