Just now, Dr. Gonzo said:

If the players play like they care and the supporters turn up it will be ok, especially as a preseason hit out. Needs to be WA or SA hosting Vic though, a game at the G might get a decent crowd as a one off but ongoing the supporters would drop off like they did in the 90s. The players will feed off the crowd if there's a packed Optus stadium or Adelaide Oval.

One game (WA vs VIc) is about right for now. At least the next 2 years in W.A

After that, SA can enter the fold maybe every 2nd year with the Vics involved every season

A gather round in WA could work as a trade off or just have another gather round with an extra game added

I'm a fan of the origin format and always have been. But it's about whether it can work or not (long term)

I was concerned it was going to be a bruise-free game but it was like a normal game played at a higher standard (way less fumbles & clangers)

The lightning handpasses and accurate short passing was a real step up

Edited February 14Feb 14 by Macca

58 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

I think it's pretty well established that Gawn works best as a solo act and not part of an ensemble.

Not overly surprised to see him down on his usual form.

Still had the most hit-outs of any ruck and his tapwork in the second quarter got the Vics going I thought.

3 hours ago, Demonland said:

I didn’t know that Ash played for Geelong…

That was a cracking game of AFL, so many stars on the field both teams surged at times, fast play on football, apart from Weitering’s injury which was nasty. Probably the best game I’ve watched for some time. Vic’s just batted deeper the Bont and Daicos clearly our best and Jesse Hogan kept their hopes alive, what could have been.

9 hours ago, Macca said:

Daicos is not an in and under type but he dominated the game tonight. Doesn't waste a possession and got it 38 times tonight

The bloke is a star

Collingwood fans claiming he was robbed of another medal. His dad probably cracked it again

i was out for a meal last night and found myself drawn to the action on the big screen in the bar. plenty of other punters were as well.

it was more physical than i expected and a good standard overall.

i have no dog in the race but i reckon club rivalries in Victoria would make it hard for Victorians to get fully behind the team. i'd find it very hard to support the likes of daicos or dangerfield.

9 hours ago, Macca said:

Daicos is not an in and under type but he dominated the game tonight. Doesn't waste a possession and got it 38 times tonight

The bloke is a star

Overated bruise free footballer!

I thought our blokes looked pretty good. Rivers the best of the lot after a sluggish start with his disposal. He worked his way into the game beautifully. Pickett was always lurking and looked dangerous but missed a couple of pretty straightforward opportunities which would have made an ok game a good one. It was Max's first extended run since last season after recovering from his finger break and spending most of the last 4-6 in rehab. He still looks fit and his ruck work in the second turned the game in the Vics favour. 68% game time was more than enough for him. No ruck dominated the night, and that was not a surprise given how many of them were on the ground. All in all, no injuries for us and a promising start from three crucial players. The game overall - I loved it. It was a step up from Home and Away, as it should be, and I liked what I saw of the new rules. Big tick from me.

44 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Overated bruise free footballer!

We didn't need it, but this is even more proof that you have terrible eyes for the game

I thought Riv was the best of the Dees. I hope it’s an insight into what he will bring to the table in ‘26.

11 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I too was barracking for WA and I have never even step foot in that state before.

I was just getting emotional seeing Jesse, Kozzy , and Jackson working together in the forward line.

The difference this time round is the players want to play. In the nineties players were pulling out for little niggles. Dermott Brereton said that he was pulling out because he had a tear in his shorts.

Who won?

1 minute ago, lorn said:

The difference this time round is the players want to play. In the nineties players were pulling out for little niggles. Dermott Brereton said that he was pulling out because he had a tear in his shorts.

The $20k per player helps! (up to $45k per player with marketing deals added on)

Along with all the other freebies (Accomodation & fly-ins for family etc etc) Holiday money covered, thank you very much!

Although it must be said that each NRL player receives $90k if they play all 3 Origin games

Money talks but the games would pay for themselves with cash to spare (NRL at least) The all important TV & Streaming numbers have yet to be released for the AFL Origin game

Edited February 15Feb 15 by Macca

Watching Jackson hurts, Watching Hogan what should have been

Edited February 15Feb 15 by Demonsone

I really enjoyed the game and look forward to see another one next year. The skills were awesome, when a player missed a target it really stood out.

I wonder how much (if any) advantage it gives to the players that took part? They’ve essentially got one game under the belt already and they did it in the heat.

4 minutes ago, Demonsone said:

Apart from an exhibition match what are they playing for?? Unlike NRL who only have 2 states, AFL has WA, SA & Vic so unless if you are playing each at the same time for outright winners as the NRL has best of 3

State dominance?

The Vics seemed very happy as winners and it didn't look manufactured

I reckon in the short term (3 to 5 years) the interest will be high enough (public & players)

After that, who knows?

Long term, there will need to be real passion and rivalries (especially if S.A enters in the fray)

You get what you pay for so the money paid to the players effectively made sure of the buy-in (in my view)

The game was an excellent exhibition of the sport. Certainly worth a viewing on 'Mini replay' or even the full replay

As is often the case, the answer lies with the masses, with regards to the long term future of the concept

I thought Gawn looked shot and slow. Hopefully as the season progresses he will improve. We need to work hard on getting a decent replacement

3 minutes ago, Ugottobekidding said:

I thought Gawn looked shot and slow. Hopefully as the season progresses he will improve. We need to work hard on getting a decent replacement

I don’t think this game style suites him, it was to fast and free flowing. I don’t think any of the rucks stood out.

7 minutes ago, Ugottobekidding said:

I thought Gawn looked shot and slow. Hopefully as the season progresses he will improve. We need to work hard on getting a decent replacement

Probably because he played with Hamstring tightness.

4 hours ago, Swooper1987 said:

I thought our blokes looked pretty good. Rivers the best of the lot after a sluggish start with his disposal. He worked his way into the game beautifully. Pickett was always lurking and looked dangerous but missed a couple of pretty straightforward opportunities which would have made an ok game a good one. It was Max's first extended run since last season after recovering from his finger break and spending most of the last 4-6 in rehab. He still looks fit and his ruck work in the second turned the game in the Vics favour. 68% game time was more than enough for him. No ruck dominated the night, and that was not a surprise given how many of them were on the ground. All in all, no injuries for us and a promising start from three crucial players. The game overall - I loved it. It was a step up from Home and Away, as it should be, and I liked what I saw of the new rules. Big tick from me.

Kosi did a few good things but looked rusty in a some departments.

12 minutes ago, Ugottobekidding said:

I thought Gawn looked shot and slow. Hopefully as the season progresses he will improve. We need to work hard on getting a decent replacement

Started slowly but new ruck rules possibly contributed to that. Settled into the game after that and by the end was winning hit outs and having an impact.

One aspect of his game I’d like to see him get rid of is the habit he has of worrying too much about getting frees with the umpires and also going to ground a bit easily on occasions.

The run will do him good. Provided he stays injury free, will be in for the usual great season.

1 minute ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

Kosi did a few good things but looked rusty in a some departments.

Yes agree. Looked like he was trying too hard sometimes instead of just letting it happen naturally. Will be better for the run.

After a slow start with a couple of turnovers, thought Rivers ended up being one of WA’s better players.

On 21/10/2025 at 18:52, old dee said:

My only interest is that no MFC players get injured or suspended.

I have to admit I did not watch the game. From my scant info I saw no mention of Kossie or Max. They did not get injured so in the end I am happy.

Thought it was excellent, I'd definately go if they brough it to the G, reminds me of growing up in the 90's seeing the best of the best run around, yes please