AAMI AFL Origin: Western Australia Finalizes Squad, Victoria Makes Key Injury Change
The highly anticipated AAMI AFL Origin match between Western Australia and Victoria is set for February 14 at Optus Stadium in Perth. This sold-out event, expected to host 60,000 spectators, marks a significant moment for the sport. It's the first State of Origin clash this century outside of anniversary or exhibition events, signaling a revival of the inter-state concept nearly 30 years after its last occurrence.
Western Australia has finalized its 25-player squad, while Victoria has made a crucial change due to injury, with its full squad expected later this week.
Western Australia Squad Updates
Western Australia has completed its 25-man squad, integrating five new players following one withdrawal.
New Additions to the Squad
The additions bring a mix of experience and renewed talent:
- Jake Waterman (West Coast forward): The 27-year-old, an All-Australian in 2024 with 53 goals, returns to competitive play for the first time in nine months following a serious shoulder injury last May. This match marks his first in 265 days. Waterman continues a family tradition, as his father, Chris Waterman, also represented WA in Origin matches during the 1990s. Jake Waterman and Nick Daicos are noted as the competition's first father-son Origin players.
- Nathan Broad (Richmond defender)
- Tim English (Western Bulldogs ruck): English strengthens the ruck division, joining fellow rucks Darcy Cameron (Collingwood) and Luke Jackson (Fremantle).
- Stephen Coniglio (GWS Giants midfielder)
- Jaeger O’Meara (Fremantle midfielder)
Squad Withdrawal
- Brandon Starcevich (Brisbane premiership defender, West Coast recruit) has been withdrawn. He is recovering from a minor ACL strain in his knee, which has restricted his training and makes him unavailable for the required game time.
Coaching Staff
The WA coaching team includes head coach Dean Cox, supported by assistants Justin Longmuir and Nathan van Berlo, with Fremantle's footy boss Joe Brierty providing additional support.
Full Western Australia Squad
- Callum Ah Chee, Liam Baker, Tom Barrass, Shai Bolton, Nathan Broad, Charlie Cameron, Darcy Cameron, Jordan Clark, Stephen Coniglio, Patrick Cripps, Tim English, Mitch Georgiades, Bradley Hill, Jesse Hogan, Lawson Humphries, Luke Jackson, Rory Lobb, Aaron Naughton, Jaeger O’Meara, Kysaiah Pickett, Wil Powell, Trent Rivers, Sam Taylor, Chad Warner, Jake Waterman.
Victoria Squad Updates
The Victorian squad has seen a significant change due to injury, with its complete finalization anticipated later this week.
Key Withdrawal
- Jeremy Cameron (Geelong player) has been officially withdrawn. He is in the early stages of returning to full contact training after sustaining a broken arm during the September Grand Final. Cameron requires additional sessions to adequately prepare for a match of this intensity, making his participation in a Geelong match simulation two days after the Origin match also unlikely. Cameron scored 83 goals during the Cats’ home-and-away season last year.
Replacement Announced
- Ben King (Gold Coast Suns player) will replace Cameron in the Victorian squad. This substitution brings the total number of Gold Coast Suns representatives to five across both competing squads. Victorian side Gold Coast Suns players now include King, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Sam Collins. Wil Powell represents the Suns in the Western Australia squad.
Anticipated Inclusion
- Tristan Xerri (North Melbourne) is expected to be named for Victoria. His inclusion would ensure all 18 AFL clubs are represented in the match, highlighting the breadth of talent across the league.
Partial Victoria Squad (Prior to Finalization)
- Lachie Ash, Noah Anderson, Josh Battle, Marcus Bontempelli, Zak Butters, Nick Daicos, Patrick Dangerfield, Sam Darcy, Max Gawn, Toby Greene, Blake Hardwick, Max Holmes, Hugh McCluggage, Zach Merrett, Ed Richards, Matt Rowell, Caleb Serong, Jack Sinclair, Tom Stewart, Jacob Weitering.