What if AFL NSW/ACT had a State of Origin squad?

On Friday night the AFL will hold a one-off State of Origin exhibition match at Marvel Stadium to raise funds for bushfire relief across Australia.

Despite the last official State of Origin game being played in 1999, picking your state’s team remains one of football’s greatest debates, so with much contention, the media team here at AFL NSW/ACT decided to give it a go.

Stacked with key-position players and elite midfielders, AFL NSW/ACT’s State of Origin squad looks very good on paper.

The Sydney Swans and GIANTS Academies have certainly done their part, with players such as Zac Williams, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, Jacob Hopper and Callum Mills included.

Dougal Howard’s acquisition in defence is arguably the most exciting, with the key defender boasting incredible versatility and leadership, the latter of which has been held in high regard across the competition.

Despite his move up the field sporadically in 2019, Mills reverts to his original position of back-pocket, linking with his Sydney counterpart Dane Rampe off half-back.

Zac Williams and Matt Suckling would provide the run out of defence, with Williams also capable of rotating through the midfield.

Gold Coast SUNS Captain Jarrod Witts is one of the AFL’s most influential rucks and will be complemented by a midfield featuring Jack Steele, Isaac Heeney and Jacob Hopper.

The pairing of Tom Hawkins and Taylor Walker is an exciting combination up forward.

Josh Bruce and Luke Breust would bring a wealth of experience to help young Harry Himmelberg and Nick Blakey adjust to Origin football.

The interchange bench consists of Richmond premiership player Jacob Townsend, Anthony Miles, Jeremy Finlayson and Harry Perryman.

Former GIANTS Captain Phil Davis would be AFL NSW/ACT’s State of Origin Captain.

Now it’s over to you, who would you have picked differently?

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