Victoria has confirmed its full squad for AAMI AFL Origin with four inclusions finalising the team to take on Western Australia in Perth next Saturday, 14 February.
Geelong’s Bailey Smith rounds out a star-studded midfield after a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him claim a podium finish in the Brownlow Medal, and will join a midfield brigade featuring Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, Zak Butters, Matt Rowell, Hugh McCluggage, Zach Merrett, Ed Richards Max Holmes, Noah Anderson and Caleb Serong.
Smith will be joined in the middle of the ground by North Melbourne ruck Tristan Xerri, with 2025 Kangaroos joint best and fairest winner to shoulder the ruck duties alongside Max Gawn. Xerri’s inclusion means that all 18 AFL clubs will have representation in the historic return of state football.
Victoria will be strengthened at both ends of the ground with two-time Gold Coast SUNS best and fairest Sam Collins to occupy a key pillar in defence alongside Josh Battle and Jacob Weitering, while Jack Gunston will bring over 550 goals to a Victoria forward line that already features Jeremy Cameron and Sam Darcy.
Victoria has also added Brisbane General Manager Football Danny Daly to its wider coaching group, supporting senior coach Chris Scott and assistant coaches Sam Mitchell and Shaun Grigg.
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 is shaping up to be a blockbuster clash in front of a sold-out Optus Stadium in Perth on February 14 with plenty of opportunities fans to be able to revel in the excitement of Origin across a jam-packed week of fun family activations and entertainment including the free Footy Festival at Stadium Park outside Optus Stadium, and open training at Optus Stadium on Friday February 13.
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.
VICTORIAN SQUAD
Sam Collins
AFL club: Gold Coast SUNS
State league club: Werribee VFL
Community club: Donvale
Jack Gunston
AFL club: Hawthorn
State league club: Sandringham Dragons
Community club: Beaumaris
Bailey Smith
AFL club: Geelong Cats
State league club: Sandringham Dragons
Community club: East Malvern
Tristan Xerri
AFL club: North Melbourne
State league club: Western Jets
Community club: Caroline Springs
To see the full squad click here.
