In the wake of the AFL announcing the upcoming Western Australia versus South Australia State of Origin game set for next year, I decided to take a look at what the SA team could look like when it graces the field for the first time since 1999.
SA will travel to Optus Stadium to take on WA in 2027, before hosting Victoria in 2028. The third year (2029) will cycle back to the start of the new series, with WA hosting Victoria in Perth.
Players are assigned their state of eligibility based on the location of the junior club from which a given player was drafted.
This side was selected not just on skill, but on fit, role and team balance.
Interchange
I/C: Rory Laird, Bailey Williams, Jordon Sweet, Will Day, Charlie Ballard
For the interchange, players Rory Laird and Bailey Williams are clear selections, not just based on their experience, but they also can provide some excellent playmaking that may open up passages for a side that will want to run through the middle.
Jordon Sweet gets the back-up ruck nod over Sam Draper, due to what he can offer through being a tap ruck that can step back and play through his role to allow his star teammates in the midfield to play their game and take over.
Although currently injured or coming back from one, Will Day and Charlie Ballard should still be considered when looking at how they can bring immediate impact in the game in different spots across the ground.
