Waterman Declares WA Will Go 'Flat Out' in AFL Origin Showdown
West Australian key forward Jake Waterman has issued a passionate declaration ahead of Saturday's AFL Origin clash against Victoria, stating it would be an "indictment" if players do not go "flat out" in the highly anticipated interstate representative match.
Honouring a Rich History
The West Coast spearhead, who will be making his Origin debut more than a quarter of a century after his father Chris captained WA, emphasised there is too much at stake not to give 100 per cent. "I don't understand the chat about it not being fair dinkum," Waterman said. "We've brought the State of Origin back for a reason, because it's such a rich history, and it'd be an indictment on the game if blokes are going to rock up and not go flat out."
All-Australian Waterman, aged 27, revealed the clear message from WA captain Patrick Cripps, coach Dean Cox, and chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich is straightforward: "We're playing to win." He added, "They're coming over here in our backyard, so we're going to protect that. State pride's on the line. So as soon as you throw that in the ring, yeah, she'll be on."
No Holding Back on the Field
When asked if he might take some "casualties" if any Victorian player gets in his way during the game, Waterman responded unequivocally: "Absolutely. It's a game of footy... there will be a few nervous boys sitting in the hole I would have thought – at both ends." This statement underscores the intense physicality and competitive spirit expected in the revival of this historic rivalry.
Waterman was one of the last players called into the 25-man WA squad, which will assemble for the first time on Wednesday. His father, a dual premiership player with the Eagles, represented WA five times at Origin level before the interstate clash became a casualty of the expanded national competition.
Carrying the Family Legacy
Reflecting on his father's era, Waterman said, "He played in the great era where State of Origin was thriving, so I guess it's our job now to make sure that that starts back now and stays." He acknowledged feeling a "responsibility" to ensure the first Origin game since 1999 is a success, noting, "100 per cent. Fans and players been calling out for something like this to come back to life. There's a sense of responsibility, but it's not something we're going to think about, because we're just going to go out there and try and win a game of footy."
Describing the honour of representing WA, Waterman shared, "It's one of the greater honours that you can get as an individual sportsman, playing in a team sport. I've been very lucky to play for WA a lot of times during my junior days, so I sort of know that the weight and the honour of what it feels like to chuck the jumper on." He expressed surprise and gratitude at the opportunity, adding, "To be honest, I didn't think I was going to get the opportunity to do it again, so to be able to do it at a senior AFL level is probably a different kettle of fish to the junior days, but the sentiment of wearing the black and gold is always the same."
Emotional Significance of the Black Swan
Waterman highlighted the deep meaning behind the WA jersey, stating, "It means so much, The Black Swan versus the Big V. There's got to be a little moment out there on Saturday night where I do get chills looking across at someone else's Big V on their chest and go, 'How good's that?' But I'll probably get even more of a chill when I look down and see the Black Swan on me again."
Return from Injury and Preparation
This will be Waterman's first game since round 12 of last season when he injured a shoulder and underwent surgery. However, he assured there will be no limits on his playing time against Victoria, and he noted that West Coast coach Andrew McQualter was "absolutely rapt" for his selection. "He knew how bad that I wanted it," Waterman said.
Regarding his fitness, Waterman explained, "We've been doing just about 100 minutes of match sim with training and I doubt I'll reach 100 minutes on the weekend, so anything that I'm exposed to on Saturday night I've already been exposed to over the last couple of weeks. There's no worries from a sports science point of view." He added with characteristic toughness, "I've been going pretty hard throughout pre-season. I've exposed myself to heaps of contests. I've flown for heaps of marks, come down on my arse a few times - and I actually don't mind getting hit, it makes me feel a little alive a little bit."
As the AFL Origin game approaches, Waterman's words and readiness signal a fierce contest, with WA determined to uphold state pride and reignite a cherished football tradition.
