Two of the AFL’s most respected leaders will take charge when state pride is on the line, with Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli named captains of Western Australia and Victoria for the sold-out AAMI AFL Origin match at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 14 February.
The pair are no strangers to the captaincy role. Cripps has led Carlton since 2019, initially as co- captain alongside Sam Docherty before assuming the sole captaincy in 2022. Meanwhile, Bontempelli has captained the Western Bulldogs since 2020 and been voted the AFL Players’ Association’s Best Captain three times.
Cripps said he was honoured to captain Western Australia.
“To be named captain of Western Australia is incredibly special,” Cripps said.
“Representing the state means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to lead the team out at Optus Stadium in front of our home crowd and hopefully make them proud.”
Bontempelli echoed Cripps’ sentiments after being appointed Victorian captain.
“Pulling on the Big V has always been a huge honour, and to be given the opportunity to captain Victoria is something I’ll cherish,” Bontempelli said.
“There’s a deep history and pride that comes with representing your state, and I’m looking forward to leading some of Victoria's best footballers on February 14.”
Cripps and Bontempelli headline a host of stars already confirmed to represent their home states, with remaining players for Western Australia and Victoria set to be announced soon as excitement builds for the return of AFL Origin.
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 match will be broadcast on Seven Network and Foxtel, 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. For more information, head to Origin.AFL