Victoria win out in historical AFL Origin return

Victoria claim victory!

Victoria has taken down WA in a highly successful State of Origin return, winning by 24 points in a stellar contest at Optus Stadium.

In front of 58,141 vocal fans, the contest was nothing short of brilliant, with players from both sides refusing to give an inch in the contentious spectacle.

Carlton fans are the biggest losers from tonight's match, with superstar defender Jacob Weitering sent to hospital with shoulder and rib concerns after a major collision in the first term.

GWS' Sam Taylor (hamstring awareness), Adelaide's Callum Ah Chee (quad awareness), Port Adelaide's Mitch Georgiades (hamstring awareness) and Gold Coast's Matt Rowell (finger) were all pulled early with minor concerns.

Jesse Hogan's five straight earnt him the Graham Moss Medal for WA's best on ground, whilst the E.J. Whitten Medal for Victoria's best on ground was awarded to GWS' running flanker Lachie Ash!

It ends WA (15.11) 101-125 (18.17) Victoria!

STATS:

Victoria

Disposals:

• N.Daicos - 38
• M.Bontempelli - 30
• Z.Butters - 27

Goals:

• B.King - 4
• H.McCluggage - 2
• T.Greene - 2
• P.Dangerfield - 2
• Z.Merrett - 2
• N.Daicos - 1
• M.Bontempelli - 1
• C.Serong - 1
• T.Xerri - 1
• Z.Butters - 1
• B.Smith - 1

WA

Disposals

• J.Clark - 27
• B.Hill - 26
• S.Bolton - 24

Goals:

• J.Hogan - 5
• C.Cameron - 3
• J.Waterman - 2
• L.Jackson - 2
• C.Warner - 1
• B.Hill - 1
• S.Bolton - 1

Victoria surely home

Merrett kicks his second, and the Vics should be home from here.

26-point advantage with just five to play, WA's valiant charge may have just fallen short.

Butters ANTAGONISING as Victoria stabilise

There is no greater pest than Zak Butters, and he is proving just that, getting right into the face of WA and Hawthorn rival Tom Barrass.

The Vics have regained the advantage, stifling WA's momentum to pull out to a 22-point lead.

Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell also done for the day with a finger.

Nine minutes to play, WA 96-118 Victoria.

Newest Crow sidelined

Callum Ah Chee has ice on the quad - the third Western Australian sidelined with injury.

Seven points the difference in favour of Victoria, 15 minutes to play.

HOGAN PUTS WA WITHIN A KICK!!!

WOW!

WA have CHARGED in the final term, pulling it back from five goals down to just one!

GWS star Jesse Hogan has starred with three goals in the final term, and WA are within a goal!

96-102, must-watch football!

58,141 in attendance!

Over 58,000 in attendance at Optus Stadium, and the home side are well and truly in this contest!

"One thing we can tick off, is that it's genuine," Tim Gossage told the AFL Nation call.

"State of Origin football, crowd support, promotion, and more important, the players' commitment to the contest.

"A few victims and injuries on the way through, but these players have crossed the line and they are cracking in, which is a great sign for the future of the concept."

WA are CHARGING in the final term - 90 plays Victoria's 102.

3QT - WA 72 - 101 Victoria

The West Aussie boys came hard in the third term, but Victoria's composure sees them further ahead approaching the final exchange.

Luke Jackson's goal midway through the term saw the hosts just two goals behind, however, a swift response from the Vics has them in great stead entering the fourth term.

STATS:

Victoria

Disposals:

• M.Bontempelli - 25
• N.Daicos - 25
• Z.Butters - 23

Goals:

• B.King - 4
• H.McCluggage - 2
• T.Greene - 2
• Z.Merrett - 1
• M.Bontempelli - 1
• T.Xerri - 1
• Z.Butters - 1
• B.Smith - 1
• P.Dangerfield - 1

WA

Disposals

• B.Hill - 21
• J.Clark - 21
• S.Coniglio - 19

Goals:

• C.Cameron - 2
• J.Hogan - 2
• J.Waterman - 2
• L.Jackson - 2
• C.Warner - 1
• B.Hill - 1
• S.Bolton - 1

Sam Taylor withdrawn

GWS superstar full back Sam Taylor will take no further part with hamstring awareness.

"I've had confirmation from the WA crew that Sam Taylor is also out of the game with hamstring awareness," said Channel Seven's Abbey Holmes.

"It will be a watch on that in the week to come."

Tough week for the Giants, who have also lost midfielder Tom Green with a season-ending ACL injury.

WA 72-94 Victoria.

Injury updates

WA and Port Adelaide star Mitch Georgiades joins Weitering as the second player withdrawn due to injury.

As reported by 7News Perth's Ryan Daniels, Georgiades will take no further part due to hamstring awareness.

"There is another player that won't play any part in tonight's game. It is Mitch Georgiades, Port Adelaide star," Daniels confirmed on Channel Seven.

"He has got hamstring awareness - he is also done for the night."

Daniels also stated that Weitering is in hospital as he suffers from shoulder and rib concerns.

The Carlton star copped a major blow in the first term, crunched underneath the flying Georgiades in a marking contest.

"The concern is for his shoulder and for his ribs, both of those areas," Daniels said.

"They spent a lot of time trying to get him off the ground. He was taken into the rooms, and they have decided they are going to take him to hospital.

"He has got into an ambulance, they took a lot of time and care getting him in there, and they have sent him to hospital for precautionary scans.

"It's the last thing you want to see in any game of footy."

The third term is underway!

HT: WA 52-74 Victoria

Five goals each in the second term as Victoria withstand the WA charge, holding onto a 22 point advantage heading into half time.

Intensity through the roof at Optus Stadium.

STATS:

Victoria

Disposals:

• N.Daicos - 17
• Z.Butters - 15
• C.Serong - 15

Goals:

• B.King - 3
• H.McCluggage - 2
• Z.Merrett - 1
• M.Bontempelli - 1
• T.Greene - 1
• T.Xerri - 1
• Z.Butters - 1

WA

Disposals

• B.Hill - 12
• J.Clark - 12
• J. O'Meara - 11

Goals:

• C.Cameron - 2
• J.Hogan - 2
• C.Warner - 1
• B.Hill - 1
• J.Waterman - 1
• L.Jackson - 1

Gold Coast Sun slow to rise

WA and Suns defender Wil Powell has copped a rough knock, caught under the rising Toby Greene and hurting his right shoulder.

He has been escorted off the park, updates to come.

Crippa concedes first stand 50

The updated stand rule is in full effect as Patrick Cripps is pinned for holding up Tristan Xerri in the middle of the park.

Slightest step = pinned and goal to Victoria!

Vics with three straight; WA 40-67 Victoria.

Georgiades chasedown -> hometown hero!

The hosts are fighting back!

Mitch Georgiades with a SUPERB chasedown on Nick Daicos, leading to a mark and goal by West Coast's own Jake Waterman!

WA 39-48 Victoria. Game on!

WA fighting, Vics standing tall

Plenty of time in this one, and WA knows it.

Victoria remain ahead and are having the better of the contest, but the West Australians are going and going again, not afraid of the contest in the slightest.

21 point advantage, Victoria.

Q2 away

We go again.

Update on Weitering

Victorian coach Chris Scott provided an update on the injured Jacob Weitering, who has since been taken to hospital following a major collision in the first term.

"They've told us it's precautionary, let's hope that's the case," Scott told Channel Seven.

STATS:

Victoria

Disposals:

• M.Holmes - 9
• Z.Merrett - 9
• C.Serong - 8

Goals:

• B.King - 2
• H.McCluggage - 1
• Z.Merrett - 1
• M.Bontempelli - 1
• T.Greene - 1

WA

Disposals

• J.O'Meara - 8
• P.Cripps - 8
• J.Clark - 6

Goals:

• C.Warner - 1
• C.Cameron - 1
• J.Hogan - 1

QT: WA 19-39 Victoria

Victoria with a strong lead at quarter time, 20 up after a 43 minute opening term.

Weitiering's injury the story thus far.

Victoria taking charge

The Vics have charged out to a strong lead, kicking six of the last seven to hold a 20 point lead just before quarter time!

Hugh McCluggage putting on a clinic, Victoria dominating ground position.

Back underway

The contest as resumes as the game's great trainers have safely removed the injured Weitering from the ground.

Things are looking gloomy for Carlton ahead of season 2026...

Jacob Weitering DOWN

Not looking good for Jacob Weitering, caught underneath in a contest and down, hard.

Fingers crossed for the Carlton star.

Updates to come here.

IT'S ON AT OPTUS STADIUM!

There is some real emotion in this one - just 10 minutes in and we've already seen the return of the Origin biff!

Last disposal rule in action!

For the first time since its introduction, the last disposal rule has been awarded to WA!

A defensive clearance by the Vics trickles out of bounds on the wing and the WA's take full advantage, moving on quickly and capitalising with a major!

And the players are playing with full intent - a major biff breaking out as WA reclaim the lead!

Luke Jackson in the guts!

Victoria are yet to register disposal as WA explode for the two first majors.

Patrick Cripps looking as sharp as ever, while Luke Jackson has lined up as a rover!

7:40pm: We're off - and they are not holding back

Marcus Bontempelli wins the toss for the Vics and we're underway, and these players are not holding back!

"They look intent," said Scott Cummings.

Intensity from the jump - a great start.

7:30pm: The stage is SET

Both sides have taken to the field with just 10 minutes until the first bounce!

Victoria enter with one of the most STACKED line-ups in AFL history, and while WA may look second best on paper, it's no side to underestimate.

Home ground advantage will swing heavily in WA's favour, but it's the Vics entering as heavy favourites.

Be sure to listen LIVE on the SEN website or via the SEN app as Gerard Whateley, Tim Gossage and Scott Cummings take us through Origin's much anticipated return!

7:15pm: No holding back

It may be pre-season, but this is far from an exhibition match.

West Coast captain and WA star Liam Baker has confirmed just that ahead of the first bounce.

"We want to prepare for our seasons, so we'll be going full noise," Baker told the AFL Nation call.

As echoed by Carlton and Victoria's Jacob Weitering, "it's going to be right on from the first bounce."

We're underway in 35 minutes.

7:00pm: State of affairs

The scene is set ahead of tonight's Origin at Optus Stadium, with just 40 minutes until the first bounce of 2026!

As this contest is taking place over the pre-season - and with conditions still peaking at 33 degrees in Perth - the AFL has introduced necessary precautions for tonight's contest.

Each quarter will be timed at 25 minutes - 23 timed with time on for goals and injuries, and two minutes allowing time on for goals, injuries plus stoppages.

Quarter time and three quarter time have been extended to eight minutes, and there is no limit on the number of interchanges permitted.

Clubs have been permitted the rights to cap minutes for participating players, as revealed by Sam Edmund, so don't be surprised if your superstar players take to the interchange more than expected.

With seven players on each bench, rotations will come thick and fast.

6:45pm: Rule changes to look out for

Football is back, and with it's return comes a range of new rules to keep an eye out for ahead of 2026.

State of Origin will be the first clash featuring the seven changes implemented by new footy boss Greg Swann, and it may take a bit of getting used to...

1: Goalsquare starting positions

Players are no longer required to start within the goalsquare as a part of the 6-6-6 centre bounce restart.

2: Last disposal out of bounds

If the ball crosses the boundary line between the arcs, a free kick will be awarded against the team who last disposed of the ball.

3: Centre ball-up contests

Ruckmen are no longer allowed to cross the centre line at centre bounce before engaging with their opposition ruckmen. Athleticism is king!

4: Kick-in time

Umpires will speed up permitted kick-in time from 12 seconds to eight.

5: Ruck nominations

Umpires will no longer wait for a ruckman to nominate for a ball-up around the ground. If there is no ruck present or a player fails to nominate, play will still resume!

6: Shrugging tackles

Shrug = prior opportunity. An attempt to lift the arms will be treated in the same manner as a fend or attempted evasion... ball.

7: Stand rule

This one is sure to fool a few players. The stand rule is set to be enforced with real intensity. Stand once called within the protected area, or a 50 will be paid.

No holding back!

Concerns over the intensity of AFL Origin have been put to bed, with Victorian selector Garry Lyon and star competitors Patrick Cripps and Toby Greene vowing to compete in the upcoming clash.

“We had our first zoom with all of our players, and the first thing Chris Scott (Vic coach) said was addressing that notion,” Lyon revealed.

“‘If you think this is a kick and catch and a muck around, then don’t play.’

“When you’re hearing that from Chris Scott, and you’ve got Sam Mitchell backing him up… I don’t have an issue with that at all.

“If it’s a blow out one way or the other halfway through the last quarter then maybe the intensity might not be there, but it’s going to be on.”

Here’s what you need to know:

WHAT: AFL State of Origin

WHERE: Optus Stadium, Perth

WHEN: Saturday February 14

START TIME: 7:40pm AEDT, 4:40pm WA, 6:40pm QLD, 7:10pm SA

HOW TO WATCH: Watch live on Channel 7

LISTEN LIVE: SEN live call here

TEAMS

VICTORIA

Coach: Chris Scott

• Noah Anderson (15)
• Lachie Ash (12)
• Josh Battle (24)
• Marcus Bontempelli (4)
• Zak Butters (9)
• Sam Collins (25)
• Nick Daicos (8)
• Patrick Dangerfield (35)
• Sam Darcy (10)
• Max Gawn (11)
• Jack Gunston (19)
• Toby Greene (1)
• Blake Hardwick (13)
• Max Holmes (14)
• Ben King (34)
• Zach Merrett (7)
• Hugh McCluggage (6)
• Ed Richards (20)
• Matt Rowell (18)
• Caleb Serong (3)
• Jack Sinclair (2)
• Bailey Smith (33)
• Tom Stewart (44)
• Jacob Weitering (23)
• Tristan Xerri (38)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Coach: Dean Cox

• Callum Ah Chee (4)
• Tom Barrass (37)
• Liam Baker (48)
• Shai Bolton (8)
• Nathan Broad (35)
• Charlie Cameron (23)
• Darcy Cameron (14)
• Jordan Clark (6)
• Stephen Coniglio (3)
• Patrick Cripps (9)
• Tim English (44)
• Mitch Georgiades (19)
• Bradley Hill (10)
• Jesse Hogan (21)
• Lawson Humphreys (17)
• Luke Jackson (2)
• Rory Lobb (7)
• Aaron Naughton (33)
• Jaeger O'Meara (1)
• Kysaiah Pickett (36)
• Wil Powell (27)
• Trent Rivers (24)
• Sam Taylor (15)
• Chad Warner (5)
• Jake Waterman (45)