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 respective states. This enthusiasm came after the concept’s revival was officially confirmed. The Big V has a rich history, and with the pool of talent available to Chairman of Selectors Garry Lyon and head coach Chris Scott, the Vics’ eventual victory was not unexpected.
The side that carried the torch of revival was selected based on reputation, as the game took place in February and there were no recent matches to inform selection debates. However, this has changed after seven rounds of AFL action, and now we are re-selecting the side. Some players have shown exceptional form, solidifying their positions, while others have been omitted due to injury or poor performance.
Backs
Full Backs:
– Blake Hardwick
– James Sicily
– Josh Worrell
Half Backs:
– Tom Stewart
– Josh Battle
– Lachie Ash
Jacob Weitering and Sam Collins have been replaced by James Sicily and Josh Worrell, following underwhelming starts to the season. Sicily has been influential in Hawthorn’s strong beginning, while Worrell has responded to his All-Australian snub from last year with an impressive start to the season.
Lachie Ash retains his spot, as do Josh Battle and Blake Hardwick. According to Wheelo Ratings, the Hawks are the top-ranked side for defense after Round 7, and the inclusion of three of their best defenders in this side is well-deserved.
Mids
Ruck:
– Max Gawn
– Nick Daicos
– Marcus Bontempelli
Centre:
– Hugh McCluggage
– Zak Butters
– Max Holmes
The Vics’ strength in the engine room was evident in the contest, and as such, there have been minimal changes. Max Gawn remains clearly the competition’s best ruckman, further strengthening his claim as one of the greatest ruckmen in the sport’s history.
Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli are firmly in the conversation for the league’s best player, and they 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.
The depth pieces for this line, found on the bench, have changed significantly.
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. With 16 goals from seven outings and involvement up the field, he is 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, who had a sluggish start to the year before an influential outing against North Melbourne.
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, but his recent performance of 16.4 in three weeks reminded everyone of his class around the sticks.
Ben King’s consistent performance sees him retain his spot as well.
Bench
Interchange:
– Tristan Xerri
– Caleb Serong
– Jai Newcombe
– Sam Walsh
– Luke Davies-Uniacke
– Bailey Smith
– Ed Richards
– Jack Sinclair
Given AFL clubs’ reluctance to risk players 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 new role as co-captain at Hawthorn, while Walsh has been a rare bright spark for a struggling Carlton side.
Zach Merrett, who struggled in the February fixture, makes way for Luke Davies-Uniacke, who is producing similar numbers but in a side that outperforms 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 clearly the state’s, and arguably the game’s number two ruckman, providing Gawn with rucking relief from the pine.
