The AFL State of Origin coaches are thrilled with the concept's success, following Victoria's victory over Western Australia. The event, held in Perth, attracted a sold-out crowd of 58,141 fans, with Victoria securing a hard-fought 24-point win. Despite Western Australia's late surge, Victoria's star-studded squad managed to secure the win. This marked the first AFL State of Origin match since 1999, and the positive response has sparked calls for its annual continuation. Coach Chris Scott expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the concept's potential for growth. He believes it should be played every year, citing the players' enthusiasm and the excitement it generates. The high level of competition and player engagement, coupled with the absence of any player declining the opportunity, contributed to the concept's success. Despite some injuries, including Jacob Weitering's neck, rib, and shoulder damage, and hamstring issues for Callum Ah Chee, Mitch Georgiades, and Sam Taylor, the overall experience was positive. Jesse Hogan highlighted the players' excitement and the concept's potential for long-term success, stating that there's no reason why players wouldn't want to participate every year. The event's success has sparked discussions about its future, with the WA government, WA Tourism, and the WA public showing strong support. The positive response from players and fans alike has made a strong case for the concept's annual inclusion in the AFL calendar.
