Greetings All,
I touched on State of Origin last week after seeing the Rugby League version. Unsurprisingly, the call for AFL State of Origin has been brought into focus at this time.
It is more poignant this week with the passing of arguably the greatest player not to play AFL/VFL in Barrie Robran. He was feted and chased by Victorian clubs, but the SA life was what he desired, the Crows came too late for him. A more than worthy recipient of Legend Status in the AFL Hall of Fame and immortalised in Bronze outside the Adelaide Oval.
Rest in Peace.
Back to SOO – it is simple for the NRL. While there are quite a few players from different parts of Australia and even internationally, the vast majority come from either NSW or QLD, or have significant childhood ties with NSW or QLD. The AFL melting pot is much wider and growing. Vic, SA and WA might be the historically strongest states, but Tasmania has been a breeding ground for talent for many a year. Then the northern states. while being bastions of Rugby League. are generating so many high-quality AFL players and the participation numbers continue to grow, then some of our most exciting players have come from NT.
The plan of Victoria playing SA and WA on the bye week in alternate years is both patronising and ignorant. The idea of resurrecting State of Origin has merit; however, it needs buy-in from all the clubs and players, most importantly it needs to be representative of all the states where players are drawn from. Someone needs to get creative with the concept and probably spread it over a couple of years like the Test Championship.
It’s club versus club this week so who get the points?
Hit for Six (1%) vs The Vital Cog (99%)
Not sure how the fixturing department got so many Essendon games in primetime during the floating fixture period (same argument for Carlton), but here they are. Added to the challenge are six changes to the lineup that succumbed to the Tigers last week but none of them omitted! It has been season horribilis, to make matters worse a number of those injured will not return till well into 2026. They host the Giants who look to be building for another assault on September and get back Stephen Coniglio to provide further depth and skill to the midfield. This could get ugly as the Giants also need percentage to try and scramble a top four finish.
A Hugh Effort (75%) vs Not within a Bull’s Rory (25%)
Teams have been called out as FTBBs, often on the way through to building into a powerhouse. Adelaide this year might an example. The Bulldogs with their 1-7 record against top sides deserve the moniker, will they improve? They certainly have the young talent to do so; however, they have glaring issues in defence and have so for a while. Credit to Bevo in reviving the Lobbster as a key defender but against the best he comes up short. James O’Donnell is a quality player but undersized to play against the big boys and the other defenders just don’t. There is no bigger stage to prove this pundit and plenty more wrong against the Lions at the Gabba. Will be even tougher as the Lions pay respect to one of their best in Hugh McCluggage in game 200. The loss of Ainswerth for the season is tough but could be compensated if Coleman comes back. The Dogs will have plenty of bite after this week’s commentary, but they have not played here since 2022 and expect the Lions to forge on.
Oh Dear (96%) vs Not so Rozee (4%)
Calsher made a good fist of his return booting three in a difficult encounter in the west, should be a lot friendlier in Launceston against Port. The Power has been shut off with injuries to a number of players and doubt about the skipper Rozee with a broken hand. Too much for the Hawks to play for and they will take this.
So You’re Tellin’ Me (99%) vs Overdone it with the Xerri (1%)
Sydney remains a mathematical possibility for the finals and that should continue for another week after they defeat the Roos who will be missing their most influential player in Xerri.
No Jesse James (16%) vs Oliver’s Army (84%)
Might have to go back to the Kreuzer Cup to find a game between these two with less consequence! The Blues skills are just horrendous. 6-9 from set shots last week but 3 of the goals were in junk time! While not the only offender but Jesse Motlop needs to watch some of the best goal kickers and see which one of them spins the ball in their hands on the way in. The Dees lose Jake Lever and Tom Sparrow but have most of their best personnel available including Clayton Oliver playing game 200, they should account for the profligate Blues.
A Hard Reid (65%) vs Take them to the Banks (35%)
Plenty of pundits cutting Harley Reid a bit slack for his petulance and undisciplined efforts. Not sure he deserves it; he looks uncommitted and selfish from my perspective; the coach and leaders need to pull him into line. Up against Richmond who continue to grow, Sam Banks slotting into the defence nicely. They took the points last week but suspect the Eagles will have their measure in the west.
The Down Hill Run (97%) vs Where there’s a Wilkie (3%)
It might not be pretty, but Callum Wilkie delivers for the Saints week in week out and does it for the 150th time. Will be up against it at the Cattery where Geelong begins on a cushy close to the end of the season not playing any of the top eight sides. A handy close – but will they be finals primed? They will win this.
Houston has a Problem (88%) vs It’ll be Sweetkowski (12%)
Collingwood may have lost last week but still are a game and half clear. The importance of Pendlebury was on display coming on at the main break, directing traffic and almost getting them home. Did McRae pull the “in emergency break glass” move with Josh Daicos into the middle for the last quarter? Was it supposed to be a glimpse, but Josh played one of the best quarters of footy by an individual for a long time. They take on Freo without Dan Houston. A great test for the Dockers who get their time on the G and celebrate Sam Switkowski’s 150th game. They should look forward to the audit, but suspect will come up short in a couple of areas.
Monster with 3 Heads (83%) vs Who ate the Pies? (17%)
While the Dogs failed, the Crows passed the test in notching that scalp. They also displayed the power they have with Thilthorpe, Fogarty and Walker up forward. While there is some concern about being top heavy, they do have smaller forwards they can bring in to shift the balance if required. Hosting the Pie conquerors in Gold Coast who have another box to tick here, yet to win at Adelaide Oval. They are in the form that gives them a chance, but their last half without Touk Miller makes me wary. Suspect the streak will continue.
Go Blues,
Cheers, Sal
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