AFL Origin: WA football great Rob Wiley says this is just the start for the resurrection of state rivalry

Western Australian football great Rob Wiley believes the AFL Origin concept will be given a jumpstart by a bumper crowd in Perth that ensures it becomes a regular contest. Football fanatics have given the biggest endorsement yet that there is a hunger for the State versus State rivalry, with WA’s clash against Victoria on February 14 sold out weeks before the event. It means a 60,000 strong crowd is set to watch on as the traditional football rivals do battle in what will be one of the the biggest game at the venue, with the attendance to rival the 61,118 which packed the stadium for the 2021 grand final. It will be the first time since 1999 that a state of origin clash will be played, while the Sandgropers will turn out for their first clash in 27 years. Wiley — who was the last coach of WA and represented the State on six occassions — said he wanted the upcoming blockbuster clash to be the platform they build from for more origin clashes in the future. “They’re tinkering with a pre-season game but for me as long as it’s a part of the calendar,” The Australian Football Hall of Famer told The West Australian. “There’s no reason it couldn’t be during the season if there’s a bye. I am wishing for the best, but we’ll take anytime. I am sure that if everyone gets behind it they’ll see the success. “When I got the opportunity to play for WA, I just wanted to do my best and represent the state just like the other players. I am just hoping this can be brought back and we see it continue on forever and ever. “Up against the Big V, we want to be seen as the best (footballing) state. Nothing has changed in the history of the game and it will continue so it’s an important time. It’s great that WA have pushed this and it’s fantastic the AFL has responded to make it happen.” There will be no shortage of star power in the game, with both squads already filled with some of the biggest names in the game. Western Australia will be captianed by Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, while Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan as well as the likes of Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson, Tom Barrass and Aaron Naughton have been selected. Victoria will be headed by Western Bulldogs megastar Marcus Bontempelli, while Collingwood’s Nick Daicos and reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell are among those who will look to spoil the hometown team’s party. Wiley said as long the AFL clubs and it’s best players continued to buy in then the games would be a must-watch spectacle. “The success is purely with the players and the clubs getting behind it. So the best players putting their hand up to want to represent their state and we get that and I’m sure that’s headed that way, then we’ll have a high standard,” he said. “I know it’s a pre-season game so they’re not match hardened as they would be as when we played in the middle of the season but I have no doubt the skill and the way they’re prepared to play these days, they’re pretty fit and it doesn’t matter what time of the year. “I’m just hoping we get two good squads on the park for February 14 and if we do I have no doubt it will be a high standard game.” A former coaching and development director at Carlton backed Cripps to lead WA with passion as many of his predecessors had. “I am just rapt that Paddy Cripps will lead WA. I had a couple of years with him at Carlton and always have a soft spot for him,” he said. “Paddy is the right person. He’s a passionate footballer, he’s a very passionate West Australian. “With (coach) Dean Cox at the helm, I am sure that the passion will certainly seen when they run out, get onto the oval and play for WA.” Meanwhile, Victoria’s side is set to get stronger with reports Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith a chance to be added to the line up.