AFL confirms State of Origin future with Victoria excluded
· news
The State of Football: Victoria’s Exclusion Raises Questions About AFL’s Priorities
The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed its plans for the 2027 State of Origin series. Western Australia will host South Australia, followed by Victoria hosting South Australia in 2028 and a repeat match between Victoria and Western Australia in 2029.
However, Victoria’s exclusion from the inaugural 2027 game raises questions about the AFL’s priorities. The decision appears to be a scheduling arrangement, but it may signal a deeper shift in the league’s focus on regional rivalries over traditional interstate contests.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon has hailed the State of Origin series as “one of the great traditions” of Australian football. While the competition has seen significant success in recent years – the 2022 match between Western Australia and South Australia drew an impressive 45,000 fans to Optus Stadium – some question whether the league is committed to maintaining a level playing field.
The omission of Victoria from the inaugural game raises concerns about fairness and competitiveness. Will the absence of Victoria’s top players in 2027 give Western Australia and South Australia an unfair advantage? The decision also has implications for the overall balance of power within the State of Origin series.
Historically, the AFL has promoted national unity through its competitions. By excluding Victoria from the initial match-up, however, the league may inadvertently create divisions within its own ranks. This decision could also lead to concerns about bias and favoritism, potentially undermining the integrity of the competition.
The AFL must address these questions and provide clarity on their priorities. The decision to exclude Victoria from the inaugural game is a curious one, with implications that will be felt beyond the confines of the AFL’s scheduling committee. As the nation’s premier football competition, it’s time for the AFL to demonstrate its commitment to fairness, competitiveness, and the traditions that make this sport so beloved by Australians.
The road ahead for the State of Origin series is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the AFL must be transparent about its decision-making process and ensure that all teams are given a fair shot at success. Anything less would be a disservice to the fans, players, and administrators who have made this competition so iconic in Australian sports culture.
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The AFL's decision to exclude Victoria from the inaugural 2027 State of Origin game raises more than just scheduling questions - it poses fundamental fairness and competitive integrity issues. By handing Western Australia a significant advantage in their first match-up against South Australia, the league risks tilting the competition irreparably towards regional interests. But what about the economic implications? Will this decision lead to a financial imbalance within the competition, as Victoria's teams potentially lose out on crucial revenue streams by being relegated to secondary matchups? The AFL needs to explain its priorities and address these very real concerns.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The exclusion of Victoria from the inaugural 2027 State of Origin game is more than just a scheduling quirk - it's a deliberate choice that highlights the AFL's shifting priorities. While regional rivalries are undoubtedly exciting, the league must balance these new dynamics with its traditional focus on interstate contests. The absence of Victoria's top players could indeed create an uneven playing field, but what about the broader implications for grassroots football in Victoria? Will fans be left feeling disconnected from the State of Origin series as a whole?
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
The AFL's decision to exclude Victoria from the inaugural 2027 State of Origin game is a puzzling move that raises more questions than answers. While the league prides itself on promoting national unity through its competitions, this omission creates divisions within its own ranks. One crucial aspect missing from the discussion is the potential impact on Victorian clubs' revenue streams. With Victoria's top players not participating in the initial match-up, their clubs will likely suffer financial losses due to reduced ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities. Can we really expect fans to shell out for a match featuring weakened teams?