The Return of AFL Origin
There was a romantic allure to the return of AFL Origin in the pre-season, with players from both states eager to express their desire to represent their home state. This enthusiasm came shortly after the revival of the concept was announced, marking a significant moment for the sport.
The Big V has a rich history, and with the extensive pool of talent available to Chairman of Selectors Garry Lyon and head coach Chris Scott, the Vics’ eventual victory was hardly unexpected. The side that carried the torch of revival was selected based on reputation, as the game was played in February, leaving no recent games to inform the selection process.
However, this has now changed. After seven rounds of AFL action, we are re-selecting the side. The exceptional form of some players has solidified their positions in discussions, while others have been omitted due to injuries or poor form.
Backs
Full Backs:
– Blake Hardwick
– James Sicily
– Josh Worrell
Half Backs:
– Tom Stewart
– Josh Battle
– Lachie Ash
– Jacob Weitering
– Sam Collins
James Sicily and Josh Worrell have replaced Jacob Weitering and Sam Collins, following their sputtering starts to the season. Sicily has been influential in Hawthorn’s strong start, while Worrell has responded to his All-Australian snub last year with an excellent start to the year.
Lachie Ash retains his spot, as do Josh Battle and Blake Hardwick. Per Wheelo Ratings, the Hawks are the number one ranked side for defense after Round 7, and the selection of three of their finest defenders in this side is just reward for such a standing.
Mids
Ruck:
– Max Gawn
– Nick Daicos
– Marcus Bontempelli
Centre:
– Hugh McCluggage
– Zak Butters
– Max Holmes
The Vics’ class in the engine room was evident in this contest, and as such, very little change has occurred. Max Gawn is still clearly the competition’s best ruckman, further cementing his claim as the best ever proponent of the craft in the season’s early stages.
Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli are firmly entrenched in discussions for the league’s best player, and will be roving Gawn’s hitouts in our side. The running power and outside class of Cat Max Holmes and Lions needle mover Hugh McCluggage see them retain their places in the side, roving the wings.
The depth pieces for this line, to be found on the bench, have changed significantly, however.
Forwards
Half Forwards:
– Josh Treacy
– Jack Gunston
– Justin McInerney
Full Forwards:
– Nick Watson
– Ben King
– Jeremy Cameron
The heartbreaking, season-ending knee injury suffered by Western Bulldog Sam Darcy opens the door for bullocking Docker Josh Treacy to enter the fray. 16 goals from seven outings, as well as involvement up the field, make him a logical replacement.
“The Wizard” Nick Watson has emerged as one of the stories of the year, and is currently rated as the competition’s best forward, per Champion Data. He replaces Giants captain Toby Greene, on current form, after Greene suffered a sluggish start to the year, before an influential outing against North Melbourne.
One of the team’s eldest statesmen in Patrick Dangerfield makes way for Swan Justin McInerney, who has been stellar in filling the void left by Errol Gulden’s injury, at club level. Jeremy Cameron was a late scratching from February’s game, and was in danger of losing his spot in this re-selected side too, before kicking 16.4 in three weeks – a timely reminder of his class around the sticks.
Ben King’s metronomic consistency sees him retain his spot, too.
Bench
Interchange:
– Tristan Xerri
– Caleb Serong
– Jai Newcombe
– Sam Walsh
– Luke Davies-Uniacke
– Bailey Smith
– Ed Richards
– Jack Sinclair
Given AFL clubs’ hesitancy to see players injured in a representative game, sides were allowed to name 25 players, hence the extended bench. After Cameron’s late scratching, the Vics selected a 26th player, and we’ve done so, too.
After struggling to start the season, star Suns Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell make way for Sam Walsh and Jai Newcombe. Newcombe is flourishing in his newfound Hawthorn co-captaincy, while Walsh has been a rare bright spark for a Carlton side under fire.
Zach Merrett, who struggled in the February fixture, makes way for Luke Davies-Uniacke, who is producing similar numbers but in a side outperforming Merrett’s. Bailey Smith, Ed Richards, Jack Sinclair and Caleb Serong have not put a foot wrong to start the year, and retain their places in Chris Scott’s side.
Tristan Xerri is still rather clearly the state’s, and arguably the game’s number two ruckman, and he provides Gawn with rucking relief from the pine.
