As the anticipation builds for Saturday's AFL State of Origin showdown, players from Western Australia and Victoria took a break from the intense rivalry to explore the scenic offerings of Perth's west coast. In a rare moment of camaraderie, stars from both camps swapped their footy boots for golf clubs and boat decks, enjoying a family-friendly outing ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
Boating Adventure in Fremantle
On Friday, a group of returning West Aussie players, including Brad Hill, Callum Ah Chee, Aaron Naughton, Wil Powell, Sam Taylor, Trent Rivers, and Lawson Humphries, joined forces with Jordan Clark and Luke Jackson for a boat charter departing from Fremantle. They were accompanied by Victorian rivals such as Patrick Dangerfield, Toby Greene, Max Gawn, Sam Darcy, Hugh McCluggage, and Sam Collins, who set aside their competitive edge for a morning of sightseeing.
Dangerfield captured the lighthearted moment on social media, sharing a video of Gawn using binoculars to survey the water. The excursion was a family affair, with players' partners and children also participating in the charter, adding a personal touch to the pre-game festivities.
Golfing at Karrinyup Country Club
Meanwhile, other AFL stars opted to keep their feet on solid ground, choosing to spend Origin eve on the golf course. Geelong's Bailey Smith was the center of attention at Karrinyup Country Club in Perth's north, playing alongside Victorian teammates Jacob Weitering, Noah Anderson, and Tom Stewart.
West Coast and WA teammates Liam Baker and Jake Waterman also tested their golf swings, joined by speedster Kysaiah Pickett. This relaxed activity provided a stark contrast to the fierce competition expected on the field, showcasing the players' versatility and camaraderie off the pitch.
Final Preparations at Optus Stadium
The leisure activities will soon give way to serious business as both teams gear up for their first and final training session at Optus Stadium on Friday afternoon. With just 24 hours remaining before the sold-out clash, this session is crucial for fine-tuning strategies and building team cohesion.
The sold-out status of the match underscores the high stakes and widespread interest in this AFL Origin event, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans and players alike. As the stars return to their competitive mindsets, the brief respite in Perth serves as a reminder of the balance between sport and life beyond the field.
