With the success of this year's Victoria v Western Australia State of Origin return to footy, the AFL is certainly heading in the right direction when it comes to creating a similar atmosphere to the event of the NRL's State of Origin. Though nothing still measures up quite like the rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland in the NRL.
Tonight, Melbourne plays host to the two states in Game 2 of the Rugby Origin series, so I thought it would be fitting to see how those sides would fare against each other if there were an Australian Rules football match between the AFL's best players from each state.
The qualifications are the same as they were for the AFL's Origin clash (players will be picked based on their junior club location from where they were drafted) at the start of the year.
Queensland
Back line
FB: Connor Budarick, Harris Andrews (C), Bodhi Uwland
HB: Caleb Daniel, Aliir Aliir, Dayne Zorko
Brisbane's two-time premiership captain leads the Queensland side and holds the last line of defence alongside another one of the competition's best key defenders, Aliir Aliir, with both being more than capable of shutting down any contest.
This steel trap of a backline is supported by in-form Bodhi Uwland and All-Australian Dayne Zorko, who can bring a similar level of speed as other halfback Caleb Daniel. Budarick is also a nice addition who can know and play his role well.
Midfield
C: Bruce Reville, Lachie Weller, Levi Ashcroft
FOLL: Darcy Fort (R), Tom Green (RR), Will Ashcroft (R)
It's not quite the midfield NSW holds in comparison, but its still good enough to win you a game with some quality footballers making the cut. The contested king, Tom Green is arguably the best up there alongside two-time Norm Smith Medalist Will Ashcroft, with his brother Levi also making the cut.
Quick runners Lachie Weller and Bruce Reville fill the rest of the Queensland midfield out, playing around Brisbane ruckman Darcy Fort, who is the only Queensland ruckman born in the state playing in the AFL.
Forward line
HF: Oskar Baker, Jed Walter, Charlie Cameron
F: Ben Keays, Mabior Chol, Eric Hipwood
A balanced forward line, but with some players playing a bit out of position like Ben Keays, who has the capability to go up further and make an impact. Oskar Baker is also going down for but can be more of a leading kick to the targets around him.
Scoring will come from Hawthorn fan-favourite Mabior Chol and showstopper Charlie Cameron, who can change a game in an instant. Jed Walter and Eric Hipwood will be the other big options that complete a formidable Queensland attack.
Queensland Full team:
FB: Connor Budarick, Harris Andrews, Bodhi Uwland
HB: Caleb Daniel, Aliir Aliir, Dayne Zorko
C: Bruce Reville, Lachie Weller, Levi Ashcroft
HF: Oskar Baker, Jed Walter, Charlie Cameron
F: Ben Keays, Mabior Chol, Eric Hipwood
FOLL: Darcy Fort (R), Tom Green (RR), Will Ashcroft (R)
Int: Keidean Coleman, Shadeau Brain, Jaspa Fletcher, Will Graham, Elliott Himmelberg,
