AFL chief government Andrew Dillon has flagged the attainable return of state of origin amid a “groundswell” of assist for the idea, because the league weighs up the way forward for consultant soccer.
Buoyed by the success of final weekend’s Indigenous All Stars exhibition, Dillon on Wednesday forecast consultant fixtures turning into an everyday characteristic on the AFL calendar for years to come back.
“We’re completely dedicated to Indigenous All Stars. Whether or not that is yearly or each couple of years, I believe that is the bit we have started working via,” Dillon stated.
“Within the different years, I believe that is the place you could possibly have a look at different kinds of consultant soccer.
“Whether or not it is types of state of origin or all stars, they’re the issues we have to focus on.”
Origin-style matches have solely been performed twice this century — each that includes Victoria towards the remainder of the nation.
Victoria defeated a Dream Crew in a 2008 Corridor of Fame tribute match, and likewise accounted for an All-Stars staff within the 2020 bushfire reduction match.
The final true state of origin fixture was in 1999, when Victoria defeated South Australia.
“I am unable to rule it in and might’t rule it out (for 2026), however it should actually be a dialog that I might wish to have with the gamers and the golf equipment,” Dillon stated.
“I believe there appears to be a little bit of a groundswell for it. Discovering the correct time for it (on the calendar) is essential.”
The Indigenous All Stars match with Fremantle was thought of an awesome success. (Getty Photos: Dylan Burns)
Nearly 38,000 followers have been available to see the Indigenous All Stars beat Fremantle by 43 factors at Perth Stadium final Saturday evening, within the consultant staff’s first match since 2015.
Dillon was pleased with broadcast viewership numbers and declared the buy-in from gamers and golf equipment essential to creating the idea successful.
“The perfect factor for us was the best way that the gamers and the golf equipment embraced the idea, and that led to the followers and folks viewing it,” Dillon stated.
“I assumed the footy was actually good as nicely.
“The query for us now’s how typically do you play it and the place does the remainder of rep footy slot in.”
Dillon backed a pre-season slot for consultant matches and stated a call on the 2026 schedule can be made in regards to the center of this yr.
“The weekend confirmed that it’s a fairly good weekend for rep footy,” he stated.
“How that performs out into the longer term is one thing that we’ll be discussing with the golf equipment and gamers over the subsequent weeks and months.”
AAP
