State of Origin Returns: Player Showdowns and Standout Performances
The much-anticipated State of Origin returned to the AFL arena on Saturday night, showcasing a thrilling contest filled with individual brilliance and fierce competition. Players donned their state colours, eager to represent Victoria and Western Australia in a format that often highlights the cream of the crop. Here’s a breakdown of the standout performers and their contributions:
Victoria’s Finest
Lachie Ash (GWS) earned the coveted E.J. Whitten Medal as Victoria’s best player. His relentless hard running was evident throughout the match, racking up 25 disposals at an impressive 79 per cent conversion rate and gaining 498 metres. His rebounding dash was crucial for the Vics, though some felt Nick Daicos was an unlucky omission from the best-on-ground honours.
Nick Daicos (COL) was a driving force for Victoria, particularly in the first quarter. He finished with a staggering 38 disposals, 13 score involvements, and 670 metres gained, constantly demanding the ball. His performance begs the question: was he deserving of the E.J. Whitten Medal?
- Key Contributions:
- Brilliant pass to Marcus Bontempelli in the second term.
- Successful set-shot conversion from 48 metres in the second quarter.
Marcus Bontempelli (WB – captain), leading the Victorian side, was instrumental in their control of the game. Despite an early 50-metre penalty concession, he quickly found his rhythm, finishing with 30 disposals and 12 score involvements by late in the third quarter. His all-round influence made him a strong contender for best afield.
Caleb Serong (FRE), despite his long association with the Dockers, made an immediate impact for Victoria. His first-half performance was superb, amassing 15 touches and 354 metres gained, effectively sealing the win with a clever snap late in the game.
Toby Greene (GWS) was a constant threat inside attacking 50, bringing his characteristic desperation and flair to the contest. His composed left-foot snap for goal in the third term was a pivotal moment, embodying the “great fun” he described the game to be.
Zach Merrett (ESS) was busy from the outset, chipping in with a soccer goal and finding plenty of the ball throughout the match.
Hugh McCluggage (BRI), a dual premiership Lion, finished strongly with a flurry of activity, including two snapped goals.
Zak Butters (PA) brought toughness and physicality, relishing his agitator role. He quickly atoned for an early error, setting up a goal for Ben King.
Max Gawn (MEL) battled hard in the ruck, especially in the latter stages of the game, despite a quiet first half.
Ben King (GC), drafted in to replace an injured Jeremy Cameron, settled Victorian nerves with a strong mark and goal early on. He added two more goals before being hampered by a rib issue.
Patrick Dangerfield (GEE), despite starting on the bench, made a significant impact with his contested ball wins and crucial passes. His long bomb in the third quarter extended Victoria’s lead.
Tristan Xerri (NM), the only Victorian yet to play an AFL final, showed his talent with an important intercept mark and a successful conversion from a penalty.
Tom Stewart (GEE) was forced into a key defensive role due to an early injury to Jacob Weitering.
Sam Darcy (WB) provided a marking presence and showcased his ruck skills in attacking 50.
Blake Hardwick (HAW) was a diligent defender and used the ball effectively.
Max Holmes (GEE) provided rebounding dash from half-back, contributing significantly to Victoria’s inside-50 dominance.
Noah Anderson (GCS) delivered a fine pass and showed his competitive spirit.
Matt Rowell (GCS) was at his robust best at stoppages, though his game was cut short by a finger issue.
Jack Gunston (HAW), used as a forward, also pushed further afield when needed, setting up a goal for Butters.
Ed Richards (WB) provided his usual dashing run but lacked a major impact.
Josh Battle (HAW) read the play well and stepped up in defence after an injury.
Sam Collins (GCS) was a defensive pillar, tasked with preventing WA from going long down the line.
Bailey Smith (GEE) worked his way into the game after starting on the bench, converting a crucial goal.
Jacob Weitering (CAR)‘s night was unfortunately cut short by a heavy collision, leading to his hospitalisation.
Western Australia’s Fight
Jesse Hogan (GWS) was the standout for Western Australia, earning the Graham Moss Medal as WA’s best afield. He was a dominant force in the last quarter, kicking three goals and showing impressive mobility, a welcome sight for Giants fans. His early goal against Weitering was also a strong statement.
Jordan Clark (FRE) was a consistent playmaking presence for WA, racking up 27 disposals and 586 metres gained.
Chad Warner (SYD) opened the scoring for WA and showed moments of brilliance, evading Marcus Bontempelli. However, his influence waned in the third term.
Charlie Cameron (BRI) provided some spectacular goals, including a brilliant snap from half-forward that ignited the crowd.
Trent Rivers (MEL) found plenty of the ball and gained significant metres for his team.
Jake Waterman (WCE) provided moments of inspiration with his strong marks and goals, keeping WA in the contest.
Tom Barrass (HAW) was one of WA’s best, showcasing courage with an intercept mark under pressure.
Luke Jackson (FRE) ended a run of Victorian goals with his first and later kicked a brilliant goal on the run.
Stephen Coniglio (GWS) found plenty of the ball but lacked a standout moment.
Patrick Cripps (CAR – captain) was passionate in the contest, enjoying the battle in tight spaces.
Bradley Hill (STK) was a consistent presence across the field, contributing a goal and significant metres gained.
Darcy Cameron (COL) provided strong ruck taps and engaged in a fascinating battle with his Victorian counterparts.
Liam Baker (WCE) ran hard all night and gained significant metres.
Nathan Broad (RIC) was solid at half-back, despite being beaten in a key one-on-one.
Kysaiah Pickett (MEL) provided his usual line-breaking run but missed crucial set shots.
Tim English (WB) lifted in the ruck in the second term, providing his midfielders with first use of the ball.
Jaeger O’Meara (FRE)‘s hard running helped WA get back into the contest.
Rory Lobb (WB) had a difficult task on Ben King against waves of Victorian attackers.
Shai Bolton (FRE) tried to ignite his side but was hampered by poor disposal efficiency.
Sam Taylor (GWS) was solid in defence but his night ended prematurely with a hamstring issue.
Lawson Humphries (GEE) worked hard and delivered a slick pass to Hogan in the final term.
Mitch Georgiades (PA) worked hard but his night was cut short by a sore hamstring.
Wil Powell (GCS) recovered from an awkward landing to have an impact in the midfield.
Callum Ah Chee (ADE) struggled to impose himself on the game and finished with a hamstring issue.
Aaron Naughton (WB) was the most disappointing player on the field, failing to have an impact.
