The anticipation for AAMI AFL Origin continues to build, with Victoria today confirming a further nine players who will join the ‘Big V’ squad to face Western Australia on February 14 at Optus Stadium.
Melbourne premiership captain Max Gawn headlines the latest contingent of Victorian players to be announced, with the eight-time All Australian to be joined in the midfield by back-to-back Brisbane premiership star Hugh McCluggage, Gold Coast SUNS captain Noah Anderson and two-time Geelong Best and Fairest winner Max Holmes.
Victoria’s defensive stocks have also been bolstered with the inclusion of 2022 premiership Cat and five-time All Australian Tom Stewart and Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering, while St Kilda two-time All Australian Jack Sinclair will add speed and class across half back.
Up forward, inaugural GIANT, three-time All Australian and four-time GWS leading goalkicker Toby Greene will play a key role for Victoria and will be joined inside 50 by Western Bulldogs young gun Sam Darcy, who follows in the footsteps of his father in playing state representative football, with Luke representing South Australia twice in the 1990s.
Today’s announcement brings Victoria and Western Australia’s squads to 14, following the confirmation of nine West Australian players on Wednesday, headlined by the West Coast Eagles Liam Baker, Fremantle’s Luke Jackson and Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron.
Last week, Hawthorn senior coach Sam Mitchell was unveiled as Victoria’s assistant coach, who will work alongside head coach Chris Scott as preparations continue for the blockbuster return of Origin football.
Victoria coach Chris Scott said he is happy with the balance and depth of the Victorian squad so far, while acknowledging there are some tough selections decisions ahead.
“It’s exciting to have more than half of our squad locked in, and it’s coming together as a well-balanced team that we feel represents what Victorian football is all about,” Scott said.
“Sam and I will sit down with Garry Lyon in the coming weeks to lock away what the final squad could look like, and with the depth of talent available, there are going to be some very tough calls to make, but it’s what makes the return of Origin football such an exciting prospect.”
In 2026, AAMI AFL Origin will be delivered with the support of the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA, and showcase the best of the state to fans all over the country.
The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox, as well as 7Plus and Kayo streaming platforms, spotlighting Perth and its world-class sporting facilities to the rest of the nation. The match will begin at 4:40pm AWST/7:40pm AEDT. Tickets for the AAMI AFL Origin are on sale now, for more information head to Origin.AFL.
VICTORIAN SQUAD
Noah Anderson
AFL Club: Gold Coast SUNS
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Hawthorn Citizens
Marcus Bontempelli
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Eltham
Zak Butters
AFL Club: Port Adelaide
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Darley
Jeremy Cameron
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
State League Club: GWV Rebels (formerly North Ballarat)
Community Club: Dartmoor
Sam Darcy
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Glen Iris
Max Gawn
AFL Club: Melbourne
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Ormond
Toby Greene
AFL Club: GWS GIANTS
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Ashburton
Max Holmes
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
State League Club: Sandrinham Dragons
Community Club: Prahran
Hugh McCluggage
AFL Club: Brisbane Lions
State League Club: GWV Rebels (formerly North Ballarat)
Community Club: South Warrnambool
Matt Rowell
AFL Club: Gold Coast SUNS
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Canterbury
Jack Sinclair
AFL Club: St Kilda
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Kew Comets
Tom Stewart
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
State League Club: Geelong VFL
Community Club: South Barwon
Jacob Weitering
AFL Club: Carlton
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Mount Martha
Official Accommodation Partner ALL Accor offers fans access to a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets with 12 hotels and apartments across Perth. Travelling fans can choose from brands like Art Series, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, and ibis. Visit ALL.com to book, plus unlock a special member rate by joining Accor’s loyalty program, ALL Accor, for free.
As the Official Airline Partner of the AFL, Virgin Australia is focused on offering value and choice for footy fans travelling to the event. To book your flight to 2026 AAMI AFL Origin, visit www.virginaustralia.com
