Bold statement: The AFL State of Origin showdown between Western Australia and Victoria roars back to life, reigniting history with every blistering moment at Optus Stadium. And this is the part most people miss: the match isn’t just a game—it’s a clash of identities, pride, and a fierce regional rivalry that shapes how fans remember the sport.
Original content retained in spirit but rewritten for clarity and accessibility:
AFL State of Origin live scores: WA and Victoria renew a storied rivalry
It’s state versus state as AFL Origin makes its return after more than two decades, with Western Australia and Victoria reigniting their historic feud at Optus Stadium.
Victoria, led by Marcus Bontempelli, enters as strong favorites. Their midfield is packed with premiership winners and All-Australians, featuring stars like Nick Daicos, Matt Rowell, and Bailey Smith.
But don’t discount Patrick Cripps and the WA lineup, who will be hungry to pull off an upset in front of a loudly supportive, sell-out crowd.
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Buttes makes it three in a row
Victoria have reclaimed control of the game with another center clearance, and WA is having trouble defending the rapid tempo.
Butters converts an uncontested mark in front of goal for his first major.
VIC 10.7 (67) WA 6.4 (40)
Optus apologises to fans
Optus Stadium apologizes to fans affected by delays at the gates this afternoon.
The mix of a late-arriving crowd and the recent rollout of an enhanced digital ticketing system—designed to cut fraud—contributed to longer wait times.
While the system was functional, some fans needed extra time at the gates as they adjusted to the new process. We acknowledge the frustration and disappointment of those who missed the start, and we appreciate the patience shown.
To ease entry, turnstile arms were temporarily lowered, and the gates were largely clear by 4.50pm.
Cripps gives away a free kick
Cripps holds onto Xerri, gifting a 50-meter penalty and a set shot from 40 meters out, directly in front.
He converts, extending the margin back to 21 points.
King has three
Broad knocked him over, but he recovers as Patrick Dangerfield releases the ball despite two tackles, keeping WA at bay.
VIC 8.7 (55) WA 6.4 (40)
WA are coming
Cameron snaps and hooks it through after Warner burst through the middle.
Three in a row, and it’s a nine-point game.
VIC 7.6 (48) WA 6.3 (39)
Waterman makes it two in a row
Beyond 50 on the boundary, Waterman steers it back through the middle to cut the gap to 15.
This surge builds on Mitch Georgiades’ hustle, who chased down Nick Daicos in the middle to win the ball back.
VIC 7.6 (48) WA 5.3 (33)
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An update on Weitering
Weitering has been sent to hospital for precautionary scans on ribs and shoulders.
Jackson stops the bleeding
WA gains a breather with a middle-kick free.
Rivers finds Cameron, who hits Nuaghton. He sends it inside 50 where Luke Jackson marks uncontested in front.
Much needed for WA.
VIC 7.4 (46) WA 4.1 (25)
Daicos makes it five in a row
Georgiades coughs up a turnover in the middle, putting WA on the back foot. Daicos seizes the chance for a set shot and lands five straight for Victoria.
VIC 7.4 (46) WA 3.1 (19)
END OF Q1 VIC 6.3 (39) WA 3.1 (19)
The end of a marathon first quarter follows Jacob Weitering’s injury, which paused play. WA started strong, but Victoria’s elite guns—Daicos, Serong, and the Bont—tidied up the scoreboard. Ed Richards has been superb off half-back, while WA spent most of the quarter defending after that early burst. Can WA flip the script after the break?
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