Victoria took the honours after coming out on top in a high-scoring spectacle to get up over Western Australia before a sold-out crowd (58,141) at Optus Stadium.
There was a lot of hype in the lead-up to this encounter, but it certainly delivered and further echoed the call for ‘State of Origin’ matches to become an annual fixture.
This was WA’s first appearance since 1998, Victoria’s since 2020, and the first match between the two states since 1992, when they contested the Polly Farmer Cup.
Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer
The naming of the trophy is in recognition of the career and achievements of the late Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer. He played 356 games in the WAFL and the VFL between 1953 and 1971, and is a legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
One of the exciting things with a game of this nature is that you get to see stars from all the various clubs playing together as well as, in some cases, also going up against their teammates, which made for some great match-ups across the Oval.
WA, backed by the majority of the spectators, got off to a flying start with both Chad Warner (pictured above) and Charlie Cameron putting through the big sticks for the hosts early-on.
Any talk that the players might take it easy and see this as just a pre-season run out was soon put to bed with a number of scuffles across the afternoon that even saw Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters and Mitch Georgiades getting it on at one stage.
Weitering injury
Unfortunately, there is the risk of injury and the sight of Carlton defender Jacob Weitering being stretchered off and taken to the hospital, following an aerial collision, will certainly have Blues supporters worried with the new AFL season on the horizon.
Victoria fought back to be ahead at quarter-time and went on to lead for the remainder of the encounter, although they were never able to completely shake off a determined WA outfit that, at one stage, got back to within a goal towards the end.
It was only when midfielder Zach Merrett, subject of the big trade deal over the close-season between Essendon and Hawthorn that eventually fell through at the last minute, scored, with just five minutes remaining, that they were home and dry.
‘BONT’ INTERVIEW
Seven-time All-Australian and Premiership player Marcus Bontempelli (pictured above) accepted the cup on behalf of the state. Speaking to Fox Footy, he said “It was awesome! You know, it is funny because you are captaining a team that every player knows what they are doing, and some blokes captain their own football clubs.”
“There was good pressure in the game at times, although it is the first proper game for everyone, so at times it might have looked a bit scratchy, but I think that is fair at this time of year. Whilst at other times it was really crisp, which is what you come to expect, but when you talk about intent and feel, there was plenty of that out there.”
“Scotty (Chris Scott – Victorian coach) and Gaz (Garry Lyon – Victorian Chair of Selectors) set the tone with the way we wanted the game to be played and we just sort of trusted each other, no-one needed to do more than the other bloke and just let your talents come to the fore and the game was played in such good spirits.”
It was a good day for Greater Western Sydney with key forward Jesse Hogan (pictured above) picking up the Graham Moss Medal (named after the famous Claremont and Essendon ruckman) for a best on ground effort for WA that included five goals and nine marks.
His team-mate and defender Lachie Ash (pictured below) won the E. J. Whitten Medal (named after Ted Whitten, also known as “Mr Football”, who played for and also coached Footscray as well as being a big advocate of interstate football, for his display representing Victoria – 25 disposals, seven marks and 498 metres gained.
View from the coach’s box
Chris Scott (Victoria):
“I said yesterday and told the players again that this is the best team I’ve ever seen take the field. The midfield depth alone was incredible. We even voted a running back as best on ground, which is remarkable given the midfield talent. It certainly was a resounding success from our perspective.”
“When I was first approached about the role back in October, my first question was how serious it was – if it wasn’t serious, I didn’t want any part of it. From then on, I felt a responsibility because I’d made a big statement and the AFL supported it. The unknown was how well the players would support it, and they were amazing.”
“Thank God we don’t have to coach against WA at the club level. Their first‑choice 18 was elite. We weren’t thinking about club footy – that would’ve been disingenuous. With so much talent, the challenge was simplifying things. The players were almost too unselfish.”
On the frequency of State of Origin matches, he added, “I see no reason it shouldn’t be every year. If interest wanes, you can adjust, but I can’t imagine that happening. As a coach, this is the best time – our players have a practice match on Monday, and I know where I’d rather they be playing. The intensity was high.”
Dean Cox (Western Australia):
“I’m extremely proud of the whole playing group. The staff who have come together for four days – it’s been one of the most enjoyable experiences you can get in footy. To represent your state and to see how passionate and proud WA is – everyone in the room felt it. It was a very touching few days. It’s as high an honour as you can get as a coach, to coach your state.”
“You know, I think to get the best players together on a Wednesday, play on a Saturday in pre‑season and put on a spectacle like that, you know, it’s a credit to the AFL and to all clubs that have allowed the players and staff to come together for a camp, and then the Perth public to show exactly why they love State of Origin.”
“I think it should be every year. It’s for the AFL to work out who plays in that, whether it’s a carnival, whether it’s a standalone game. I think what you saw – the WA government, WA tourism and the WA public – showed that they’ll support it no matter what time of the year it comes, and they probably deserve to hold it.”
Result
Western Australia 15.11 (101)
Victoria 18.17 (125)