State of Origin Comeback Gains Traction: AFL Players “Open to the Concept”
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, who also heads the AFL Players’ Association, has confirmed growing support among players for a potential AFL State of Origin return. Moore revealed he’s already received inquiries this week about a comeback, with momentum building for a possible 2026 revival.
While players are receptive to the idea, Moore stressed that any return must be serious, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into the league’s schedule. He emphasized, “I don’t think players largely, aren’t going to stand in the way of it.”
The concept has been discussed by all 18 AFL club CEOs, and the Western Australian government has even expressed interest in hosting a game as early as February 2026. However, player backing ultimately depends on the event’s presentation and its placement in the fixture.
Moore highlighted the need to consider scheduling, fan appeal, broadcasting, and commercial aspects. He added, “We don’t want it to be a Mickey Mouse sort of event that happens once in a while… If we’re going to do it, I think there is consensus that we want it to be a sustainable thing and something that makes sense in the calendar and ultimately serves the fans.” It seems we’ll need to “watch this space” for further developments.