AFL considering a State of Origin revival to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis
More than 20 years after the last State of Origin match was played, the AFL is considering reviving the concept to support victims of Australia’s bushfire crisis. And the game’s biggest names are queuing up to play.
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State of Origin could be revived in aid of the devastating bushfire crisis that has engulfed the country.
The Herald Sun last night revealed that the AFL is considering staging a game of representative football among current AFL stars among a raft of initiatives on the table to support bushfire-ravaged communities in Victoria and beyond.
The league – which has spent recent days formulating its support for those affected by the extensive fires in East Gippsland, the Alpine region of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia – has debated a range of fundraising initiatives.
A State of Origin match – the likes of which has not been played for almost 21 years – between two teams comprised of current AFL players has emerged as a frontrunner and could be held as soon as next month.
The potential move has been met with early support from some of the game’s biggest names, with AFL Players’ Association president and Geelong champ Patrick Dangerfield quick to back the fundraiser.
“Let’s make it happen!” Dangerfield wrote on Twitter after the Herald Sun last night revealed the possible Origin revival.
Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury said “bring it back”, while star ruckmen Max Gawn and Nic Naitanui – who could potentially line-up against one another – were also quick to put their hand up for any Origin game.
Yesss let’s make it happen! https://t.co/CP6KVmfYGj
— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) January 7, 2020
Let’s do it🙌🼠https://t.co/fuZ9fBraaD
— Phil Davis (@phildavis_1) January 7, 2020
The AFL confirmed on Tuesday that discussions were continuing for short-term fundraising initiatives, along with long-term support to help communities and regional clubs impacted by the fires.
It is understood Marvel Stadium is being considered as a venue for the representative clash with a potential match date of February 28.
On Wednesday morning the League said it was considering an ‘All-Stars’ match, perhaps similar to the one staged in 2008.
The AFL is considering holding an All-Stars match to raise money for the Australian bushfire appeal.
— AFL (@AFL) January 7, 2020
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“Like everyone, our entire industry is united in our support for the communities impacted by bushfires and the incredible courage and commitment of the thousands of volunteers and emergency services and support agency personnel who are involved in protecting and helping people right across the country,” a league spokesman said.
“There are a number of ideas and initiatives we are working through with clubs and players across both AFL and AFLW that can support fundraising efforts in the short-term as well as support the ongoing rebuilding of local communities in the longer term.
“Those discussions over how we best do that are continuing and there is widespread commitment to ensuring football does whatever it can to support affected communities any way we can.
“We will continue to work with AFL clubs and hope to confirm next steps in the coming days.”
WANT TO DONATE TO HELP BUSHFIRE VICTIMS? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN
As clubs filter back after the Christmas and New Year break, further discussions will be held regarding the potential fundraising options.
One concept floated for the State of Origin clash has been to have two players from each AFL club nominated to play.
The last State of Origin match was played in 1999, when Victoria beat South Australia by 54 points at the MCG.
As the sporting world — including world No.1 Ash Barty and fellow tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, cricket legend Shane Warne and American basketball star LaMelo Ball — has rallied to support affected communities, the AFL community is also getting behind the cause.
A fundraising effort by Carlton that was launched on the weekend has already raised more than $40,000, while Melbourne players launched a campaign that has surpassed $30,000 in donations.
Losing the locks for those in need.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) January 6, 2020
Let's get behind our skipper 👊
DONATE » https://t.co/BAil5k1xJH pic.twitter.com/xeAfZyUjMX
Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell is set to shave his trademark dreadlocks on Friday in aid of Wildlife Victoria and the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund after an endeavour to raise $50,000 surpassed $100,000 on Tuesday afternoon.
Collingwood star Dayne Beams announced on Monday that he would auction his 2010 premiership medal in aid of those who have been affected by the fires, with bidding at almost $25,000 late on Tuesday.