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WATCH: Field of Dreams finalistsFirst eight stars named for State of Origin return
SEN • November 14th, 2025 9:43 am
The first eight players that will play AFL State of Origin in 2026 have been named with Marcus Bontempelli backed by Kane Cornes to captain the Vics.
The Western Bulldogs star leads an impressive midfield for the Big V who also named Zak Butters, Jeremy Cameron and reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell for the Optus Stadium clash which will be played on February 14.
WA meanwhile unveiled Patrick Cripps, Shai Bolton, Tom Barrass and Aaron Naughton
“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 quarter 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
WA: Patrick Cripps, Aaron Naughton, Shai Bolton, Tom Barrass.
