AFL to explore reviving State of Origin concept after NRL attracts crowd of 90,000 to MCG for Game 2

After seeing 90,000 fans pack the MCG for the rugby league State of Origin on Wednesday, the AFL is set to explore reviving the concept for Australian rules football. Have your say on if it should return.

The AFL is set to explore reviving State of Origin.

On Wednesday night, 90,084 spectators attending the second game of the NRL’s series at the MCG.

The debate about whether the AFL should look at reviving State of Origin is an annual debate but the league is keen to discuss how it can be brought back in some form with clubs and players.

Representative football - last formally played in 1999 - is still looked upon fondly by many football fans, with there considerable debate in states such as South Australia and Western Australia as to whether their teams could rival the powerful Victorian outfit.

Football – SA vs. WA State of Origin AFL match at Football Park, SA, 02 Jun 1993. SA footballer Tony Francis.

Tonight's attendance is 90,084. #Originpic.twitter.com/7uWkFwVfQd

— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) June 26, 2024

Whether other states could actually challenge Victoria has been a key argument used by those who believe the concept could not be revived by the AFL.

Instead the last two times there have been “representative” games, a Victorian outfit took on an “All-Stars” side.

In 2008 this was part of the celebrations for the 150th year of Australian rules football, while in 2020 it was held for bushfire relief.

Clubs would also need to be convinced on the benefits of players being involved in more football, with an extra game already added to the season for the last two years.

One way around this could be it not being an annual fixture, which could also create anticipation for the match.

Sydney coach John Longmire, who played in State of Origin as a player, said he believed there could be a place for representative football to return.

“I was lucky enough to be involved as a coach in the bushfire appeal game and I absolutely loved it,” he said on SEN.

Zac Lomax of the Blues takes a speccy at the MCG for the second State of Origin game on Wednesday night before getting the ball to ground for a first half try. Picture: Michael Klein

“I loved the interaction with players from other clubs, I saw the joy that the players had … I wasn’t in favour of it a few years ago but I have changed my mind.

“I really loved my opportunity and I think there are some great opportunities for the code.

“I think it would have to be part of a broader reworking of the draw, you have to be careful to not continuing loading up these guys.

“Obviously being up here (in Sydney) and seeing State of Origin, knowing the coaches and seeing the big NSW and Queensland rivalry I would love to see it going forward.

“I think there is a spot for it somewhere.”

It wouldn’t just be confined to the men’s competition, with a desire for the best of the AFLW to also face off against each other.

Originally published as AFL to explore reviving State of Origin concept after NRL attracts crowd of 90,000 to MCG for Game 2