Get ready for a footy showdown like no other—the AFL State of Origin is making a comeback, and it’s already stirring up excitement and debate! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this long-awaited return a nostalgic dream or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
In a move that’s got fans buzzing, former Victoria captain and Fox Footy personality Garry Lyon has been appointed chairman of selectors for the Big V, alongside Western Australia’s Glen Jakovich, ahead of the 2026 AFL State of Origin match. Lyon, a staunch advocate for Origin’s revival after starring in Victoria’s legendary teams of the 1980s and 1990s, will join forces with Chris Scott to assemble a star-studded Victorian squad. Meanwhile, Jakovich will team up with ex-Eagle Dean Cox to shape the WA side for the February 14 clash at Optus Stadium—a game that’s already shaping up to be a blockbuster.
And this is the part most people miss: Lyon isn’t just nostalgic; he’s on a mission to recreate the magic of his Origin heyday. ‘Rubbing shoulders with the game’s greats was one of the greatest thrills of my career,’ he shared on SEN radio. ‘I want today’s players to experience that same rush.’ Imagine Caleb Serong, Noah Anderson, or Matt Rowell lining up alongside modern legends—it’s the kind of footy purity that Lyon believes is worth fighting for.
But not everyone’s convinced. Lyon acknowledges the skeptics: ‘I know there are people who think this is a joke, but it’s not. The AFL has thrown its full weight behind this, and players will be well-compensated.’ He’s confident the game will sell out in WA, but he also addresses the elephant in the room: injury risks. ‘Some players might hesitate, but let’s not forget—Gary Ablett Snr, Tony Lockett, Greg Williams—they all stepped up,’ he argues. ‘This is about celebrating the game, and we owe it to footy to make this happen.’
Here’s the bold question: Can State of Origin truly recapture its former glory, or is it a relic of the past? Lyon thinks it’s the perfect stage for young guns like West Coast’s Harley Reid. ‘Imagine him training alongside the best in the game—it would be career-defining,’ Lyon suggests. He’s also keen to see a ‘smoky’—an unexpected talent—get their chance to shine, just like Brent Harvey did in the 1990s.
As the first Origin match since 1999 approaches, the stakes are high. Will it live up to the hype? Lyon’s vision is clear: ‘This isn’t just a game; it’s a celebration of footy’s greatest stage.’ But what do you think? Is State of Origin’s return a masterstroke or a risky experiment? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
