Eddie McGuire has revealed that discussions are underway to revive an AFL version of State of Origin, potentially as early as next year. The idea has gained momentum following the successful Indigenous All-Star game in February, which highlighted the opportune moment for such an event.
McGuire, the former Collingwood president, expressed optimism that a revamped State of Origin could take place during the 2026 pre-season, suggesting that representation from across Australia could be featured over two weekends. He mentioned a potential split between teams made up of Indigenous All Stars, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, versus teams from the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland. Furthermore, he proposed an exciting addition: a women’s international match between Australia and Ireland.
He stressed that these are not mere pipe dreams but discussions gaining traction among key stakeholders. According to McGuire, this initiative has the potential to evolve into a significant television event and a tourist attraction, drawing crowds to venues in Western Australia and Melbourne—especially during a period when the rugby league will be taking place in Las Vegas.
Additionally, McGuire sees the return of State of Origin as an opportunity to introduce new voices into coaching, allowing current club coaches to focus on their teams while fresh faces step into these representative roles. Co-host Jimmy Bartel, a decorated Geelong player, enthusiastically supported the idea, expressing his willingness to coach the Victorian side if given the chance.
The last representative match in the AFL was held in 2020, where Victoria faced The Allies to raise funds for bushfire relief. This year, all 18 AFL captains showed enthusiasm for the concept’s revival, with Brisbane’s Lachie Neale and Essendon’s Zach Merrett both expressing eagerness to participate.
In summary, McGuire’s reflections and the enthusiastic response from players indicate a substantial push towards reintegrating State of Origin into the AFL, sparking excitement among fans and players alike for the future of Australian rules football.