AFL State of Origin Reunites Former Teammates Smith and Bontempelli
The revival of AFL State of Origin is serving as an ideal peacemaker for former teammates Bailey Smith and Marcus Bontempelli, following a frosty year apart. The pair, who exchanged pointed words publicly ahead of Smith's first match against his old club last year, are now reunited under the Big V jumper for Victoria's clash with Western Australia in Perth.
From Rivalry to Reconciliation
There was certainly no love lost between the Bulldogs captain and his former superstar teammate when they last faced off, with their exchange described as tongue-in-cheek but carrying genuine feeling. After a Geelong game at the MCG in front of over 80,000 people, Smith took aim at his old club, mocking the small crowd of 4,800 that watched the Bulldogs thrash Port Adelaide in Ballarat.
Smith also remarked last year that "the beauty" of Geelong was that "they let you be yourself, and don't make you try and conform to something you're not ... like previous years," in a clear reference to the Bulldogs. Bontempelli responded to Smith's Ballarat comment, noting, "It's nice to know we're still on Bailey's mind." He added, "In the end, there's probably a few less people down in Ballarat for him to flip the bird to. So maybe that's why he's a little bit disappointed."
State Pride Over Club Rivalry
At a glitzy function on Thursday night, both Victorian and Western Australian players were presented with specially made blazers and jerseys, with the atmosphere indicating that club rivalry has been set aside for state pride. Bontempelli shared his thoughts on the reunion, saying, "Baz hasn't changed is probably what I've worked out in a very short period of time. And, you know, it's great to play with other guys from other teams. So I think that's the great thing about Origin football."
Future of State of Origin
The future of State of Origin football appears promising, though the exact format remains undecided. AFL chief Andrew Dillon expressed optimism, stating, "So can't wait for a big game Saturday. And then, you know, we'll have a look at it at the end. But I think there's certainly a future."
How to Watch the AFL State of Origin Clash Live and Free
The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, with broadcast details as follows:
- Melbourne: 7pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
- Sydney: 7pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Brisbane: 6pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Adelaide: 6:30pm live on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Perth: 4pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
AFL Origin Squads
Possible Line-ups:
Western Australia
- FB: Nathan Broad, Tom Barrass, Trent Rivers
- HB: Jordan Clark, Sam Taylor, Liam Baker
- C: Stephen Coniglio, Patrick Cripps, Bradley Hill
- HF: Shai Bolton, Aaron Naughton, Callum Ah Chee
- FF: Luke Jackson, Jesse Hogan, Charlie Cameron
- FOLL: Tim English, Chad Warner, Kysaiah Pickett
- I/C: Mitch Georgiades, Rory Lobb, Wil Powell, Jaeger O'Meara, Lawson Humphries, Darcy Cameron, Jake Waterman
- Coach: Dean Cox with assistants Justin Longmuir and Nathan van Berlo
Victoria
- FB: Josh Battle, Jacob Weitering, Lachie Ash
- HB: Jack Sinclair, Tom Stewart, Sam Collins
- C: Max Holmes, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith
- HF: Hugh McCluggage, Sam Darcy, Zak Butters
- FF: Toby Greene, Ben King, Patrick Dangerfield
- FOLL: Max Gawn, Noah Anderson, Nick Daicos
- I/C: Matt Rowell, Ed Richards, Jack Gunston, Blake Hardwick, Zach Merrett, Caleb Serong, Tristan Xerri
- Coach: Chris Scott with assistants Sam Mitchell and Shaun Grigg
