There was a romance to the return of AFL Origin in the pre-season, and players from both states clambered to express their interest in representing their state, soon after the concept's revival was confirmed.
The Big V has a storied history, and given the pool of players that Chairman of Selectors Garry Lyon and head coach Chris Scott had at their disposal, the Vics' eventual victory was hardly a surprise.
The side that carried the torch of revival was picked on reputation, given the game was played in February and no recent games could have been used to inform selection debates.
That's now changed. After seven rounds of AFL action, we're re-selecting the side. The exceptional form of some players entrench them firmly in discussions, while injury and poor form necessitate the omissions of some incumbents.
Check out our re-selected side below!
Backs
FB: Blake Hardwick, James Sicily, Josh Worrell
HB: Tom Stewart, Josh Battle, Lachie Ash
Jacob Weitering and Sam Collins make way for James Sicily and Josh Worrell, after sputtering starts to the season. Conversely, Sicily has been influential in Hawthorn's stellar start, while Worrell has responded to his All-Australian snub last year with an excellent start to the year.
E.J. Whitten Medallist Lachie Ash retains his spot, as do Josh Battle and Blake Hardwick.
Per Wheelo Ratings, the Hawks are the number one ranked side for defence after Round 7, and the selection of three of their finest defenders in this side is just rewards for such a standing.
