Collingwood and Sydney stars make AFL Origin teams

Two more stars have been added to the AFL State of Origin game for 2026.

Collingwood's Nick Daicos will play for Victoria and Sydney's Chad Warner will suit up for Western Australia in the Optus Stadium clash on February 14.

“It’s a huge honour to be selected to represent Victoria. Dad always spoke about how special it was to wear the Big V, and to now have the opportunity to do that is very exciting,” Daicos said.

“AFL Origin is something players and fans will love, and I can’t wait to get over to Perth and take on WA in front of a packed Optus Stadium with plenty of Victorians in the stands backing the Big V on the night.”

Warner can't wait to play under his Swans coach Dean Cox for their native state.

“I’m pumped and it’s a huge honour to get the chance to represent WA, especially with Coxy as coach,” Warner said.

“Having spoken to a few of my WA teammates, we are all excited to get together as a team and take it to Victoria in front of hopefully a sold-out Optus Stadium, with a loud home crowd drowning out all the travelling Victorian fans.”

Bont & Cripps first picked

The first eight players were named on Friday with Marcus Bontempelli to captain the Vics.

The Western Bulldogs star leads an impressive Big V midfield so far consisting of Zak Butters, and reigning Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell, plus gun Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron.

WA meanwhile unveiled Patrick Cripps, Shai Bolton, Tom Barrass and Aaron Naughton late last week.

“Bont, no arguments from me there and firmly if not favourite to be captain,” Kane Cornes said on SEN Breakfast. “Butters no arguments and a top five player in the league.

“Matt Rowell and Jeremy Cameron. It’s a great start, a good first four.”

He was not as impressed by Dean Cox’s quartet however.

“For WA, Cripps no worries and he could captain. Aaron Naughton is the second player from WA selectors. Who is on the panel? Has he ever been All Australian?

“I don’t know if he’s going to be as good if Sam Darcy is not there next to him. Bolton and Barrass, it’s not as strong a four.

“You have to hope the home ground advantage helps here because right now it looks like the Vics will win by 10 goals.”

It has been 26 years since we last saw an official State of Origin match played between South Australia and Victoria at the MCG, but now footy fans can once again get excited by their state represented at the AFL level.

Dean Cox will coach the WA side while Chris Scott will lead the Vics.

“After sitting down with Garry Lyon, it was quickly apparent there’s a phenomenal talent pool to pick from and it’s fantastic to have Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy commit to the Vics,” Scott said.

“Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy are elite players in their own right and embody what is great about our game and what Origin football represents and as we edge closer to the game, there’s a real sense of anticipation building.

“I know I speak for all the boys when I say there’s enormous pride and excitement about pulling on the Big V and representing our state.”

Victoria: Marcus Bontempelli, Zak Butters, Matt Rowell, Jeremy Cameron, Nick Daicos

WA: Patrick Cripps, Aaron Naughton, Shai Bolton, Tom Barrass, Chad Warner