A quartet of stars from both Victoria and Western Australia have been confirmed as players in the upcoming 2026 State of Origin clash in February at Optus Stadium.
Marcus Bontempelli (VIC) and Patrick Cripps (WA) were the first cabs off the rank to don their representative guernsey.
Bontempelli will be joined by 2025 Coleman Medallist, Jeremy Cameron, 2025 Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell and Port Adelaide on-baller Zak Butters.
"Growing up in Victoria, you always dream of representing your state alongside the best players in the game, so to now get the chance again is pretty special. I can't wait to run out there and represent the Big V," Bontempelli said.
Cripps will line up alongside two-time premiership player Shai Bolton, West Coast-turned-Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass and Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton.
"It's a huge honour to be chosen to represent WA. There's a real excitement around the return of the match and I can't wait to play alongside Shai, Tom, Aaron, and other WA stars come February," Cripps added.
VIC chief selector Garry Lyon and coach Chris Scott sat down to dissect the first group of players chosen, saying that all four "embody what is great about our game".
"After sitting down with 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."
Cox, who worked alongside WA selector Glen Jakovich to determine his team, said he was "thrilled" to secure the quartet he did, ensuring a balance across the ground.
"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."
Tickets will go on sale from Tuesday,18 November for AFL and Club members at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT via Ticketmaster, followed by General Public access on Wednesday, 19 November at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT.
More players will be announced next week.
