A last-minute eligibility backflip has cruelly denied Brisbane Lions rising star Will Ashcroft the chance to represent Victoria in the upcoming AFL State of Origin match for bushfire relief.
Rule Change Dashes Victorian Hopes
The highly anticipated return of State of Origin football has been hit by controversy before a ball is bounced. Will Ashcroft, the brilliant 20-year-old midfielder, has been ruled ineligible to play for the Big V due to a late change in selection criteria. Initially, players were to be chosen based on the state where they played their junior football. However, the rules were tightened, requiring players to have been born in the state they represent.
This change directly impacts Ashcroft. Despite being a Victorian through and through, having played all his junior football in the state and being the son of triple premiership Lion Marcus Ashcroft, Will was born in Queensland during his father's playing career. This birthplace technicality now bars him from pulling on the famous navy blue jumper.
Predicted Teams Take Shape
Despite Ashcroft's absence, selectors have been busy piecing together formidable squads for the clash scheduled for February 28 at Marvel Stadium. The match aims to raise crucial funds for communities affected by recent bushfires.
The predicted Victorian team remains a powerhouse, laden with All-Australian talent. The squad is expected to be captained by superstar Patrick Cripps (Carlton), with fellow Blues skipper Sam Walsh also a lock. The midfield brigade looks formidable, potentially featuring Christian Petracca (Melbourne), Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs), and Clayton Oliver (Melbourne).
In defence, intercept king James Sicily (Hawthorn) is a certainty, while the forward line could be led by the electric Toby Greene (GWS Giants) and Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow (Carlton).
All Stars Squad and Match Significance
The opposition, the All Stars, will comprise the best players from the other states and territories. Their predicted lineup is equally impressive, set to be led by Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) as captain. They boast incredible firepower with the likes of Zak Butters (Port Adelaide), Isaac Heeney (Sydney), and Noah Anderson (Gold Coast) in the midfield.
Key position pillars Harris Andrews (Brisbane) and Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide) are expected to marshal the defence, while the forward half threatens with Charlie Cameron (Brisbane) and Lance Franklin, should the recently retired great make a one-off comeback.
The revival of State of Origin, even as a one-off fixture, has generated immense excitement among fans and players alike. The shift from a commercial, club-focused spectacle back to a genuine state-versus-state battle for charity has been widely applauded. The unfortunate situation with Will Ashcroft's eligibility, however, casts a small shadow over the build-up, highlighting the complexities of defining state allegiance in the modern AFL.
All eyes will now be on Marvel Stadium later this month, where bragging rights and vital funds for bushfire recovery are on the line.
