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!
Mids
Ruck: Max Gawn, Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli
Centre: Hugh McCluggage, Zak Butters, Max Holmes
The Vics class in the engine room was evident in this contest, and as such, very little change has occurred.
Max Gawn is still rather clearly the competition's best ruckman, and has furthered his claim as the best ever proponent of the craft in the season's early sledding.
Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli are firmly entrenched in discussions for the league's best player, and will be roving Gawn's hitouts in our side.
The running power and outside class of Cat Max Holmes and Lions needle mover Hugh McCluggage see them retain their places in the side, roving the wings.
The depth pieces for this line, to be found on the bench, have changed significantly, however.
