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!
Bench
Interchange: Tristan Xerri, Caleb Serong, Jai Newcombe, Sam Walsh, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Bailey Smith, Ed Richards, Jack Sinclair
Given AFL clubs' hesitancy to see players injured in a representative game, sides were allowed to name 25 players, hence the extended bench. After Cameron's late scratching, the Vics selected a 26th player, and we've done so, too.
After struggling to start the season, star Suns Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell make way for Sam Walsh and Jai Newcombe. Newcombe is flourishing in his newfound Hawthorn co-captaincy, while Walsh has been a rare bright spark for a Carlton side under fire.
Zach Merrett, who struggled in the February fixture, makes way for Luke Davies-Uniacke, who is producing similar numbers but in a side outperforming Merrett's.
Bailey Smith, Ed Richards , Jack Sinclair and Caleb Serong have not put a foot wrong to start the year, and retain their places in Chris Scott's side. Tristan Xerri is still rather clearly the state's, and arguably the game's number two ruckman, and he provides Gawn with rucking relief from the pine.
