Star Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron is among the first four players named to the Victoria team for next year’s return of State of Origin.
The Big V will face Western Australia at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14, marking the return of the format for the first time since 1999.
Cameron, who kicked a career-high 88 goals in 2025, is recovering from surgery on a broken arm suffered in the Cats’ grand final loss to Brisbane.
He previously pulled on a Victorian jumper in the Bushfire Relief game in 2020.
Victoria, which will be coached by Geelong mentor Chris Scott, has also unveiled Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell (Gold Coast), Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, and Port Adelaide gun Zak Butters.
“After sitting down with (chairman of selectors) Garry Lyon, it was quickly apparent there’s a phenomenal talent pool to pick from and it’s fantastic to have Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy commit to the Vics,” Scott said.
“Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy are elite players in their own right and embody what is great about our game and what Origin football represents, and as we edge closer to the game, there’s a real sense of anticipation building.
“I know I speak for all the boys when I say there’s enormous pride and excitement about pulling on the Big V and representing our state.”
Western Australia has so far named two-time Brownlow winner Patrick Cripps (Carlton), Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton, Fremantle livewire Shai Bolton, and Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass.
“I am thrilled to have an incredible calibre of players committing to the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin and announce the first wave of players for WA for the exciting return of Origin football,” Cox said.
“With some of the best players available, including a dual Brownlow medallist, Premiership stars and All Australians, the excitement and anticipation is really starting to build for the match.
“There’s more top players to be announced in the squad in the coming weeks, and I know the Western Australian players are extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent their state and play in the return of Origin and take it up to the Vics.”
Further announcements will be made next week.
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