AFL Origin Makes Triumphant Return with Victoria vs WA Showdown
The highly anticipated AFL Origin has officially arrived, setting the stage for a monumental clash between Victoria and Western Australia. This Saturday, a sold-out crowd at Perth's iconic Optus Stadium will witness the first genuine State of Origin battle this century, marking a historic moment for Australian rules football. The game will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport, ensuring fans nationwide can tune in for the action.
Star-Studded Squads and Leadership Line-Ups
Patrick Cripps has been named captain of the Western Australian team, leading on home soil under coach Dean Cox. Meanwhile, Marcus Bontempelli will captain the Victorian side, known as the Big V, coached by Chris Scott. Cripps' squad boasts formidable talents such as Chad Warner, Kysaiah Pickett, Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson, and Jesse Hogan. Bontempelli's Victorian team features a stacked midfield with Nick Daicos, Matt Rowell, Zak Butters, Hugh McCluggage, Bailey Holmes, Max Holmes, and Noah Anderson, among others.
Players from both sides have emphatically declared that this will not be a bruise-free affair, promising to take the match seriously despite clubs having the ability to restrict minutes. This commitment underscores the intense rivalry and significance of the event.
Broadcast Details and Commentary Team
Coverage kicks off at 7pm AEDT, with the first bounce scheduled for 7.40pm. The commentary team, led by Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw, includes expert analysts Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, and a returning star, WA favourite Nic Naitanui. Naitanui expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm pumped to be joining the Seven team as an expert commentator for the return of AFL Origin. Like many others who played throughout the 2010s, I would have loved the chance to represent my state at the highest level, so I can't wait to see the two states battle it out at Optus Stadium in front of a roaring crowd."
He added, "There has been a lot of chatter about how Victoria will be the easy winners of the match, but I wouldn't be so sure. I think the WA boys will be absolutely raring to go and the home ground advantage will be a massive factor."
How to Watch Across Australia
Viewers can catch the action live with the following broadcast times:
- Melbourne: 7pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
- Sydney: 7pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Brisbane: 6pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Adelaide: 6.30pm on Seven, 7mate, and 7plus Sport
- Perth: 4pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Historical Context and Future Prospects
AFL Origin last featured in a modified form with the bushfire relief game in early 2020, followed by an Indigenous All Stars match against Fremantle in pre-season last year. AFL boss Andrew Dillon has yet to commit to bringing AFL Origin back in 2027, making this event a potential rare opportunity for fans to experience state-level competition at its peak.
Post-Game Entertainment: No Holds Barred Docuseries
Immediately after the post-game coverage, the first episode of No Holds Barred, an eight-part docuseries on the GWS Giants' 2025 campaign, will air. This series offers an inside look into the club's inner sanctum, featuring players like Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Finn Callaghan, and retiree Callan Ward, along with head coach Adam Kingsley. It continues Seven's documentary programming on AFL clubs, with future series planned for Hawthorn, St Kilda, and Collingwood.
Squad Line-Ups and Key Players
The possible line-ups highlight the depth of talent on both sides. For Western Australia, key players include Nathan Broad, Tom Barrass, and Trent Rivers in defence, with Aaron Naughton and Nick Daicos also featuring prominently. Victoria's squad showcases stars like Josh Battle, Jacob Weitering, and Jeremy Cameron, ensuring a competitive and thrilling match-up.
This AFL Origin clash not only revives a cherished tradition but also promises high-stakes football with state pride on the line, making it a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts across the nation.
