Superstar duo Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Cripps headline the first big names confirmed for the 2026 AFL State of Origin match.

Bontempelli is joined by Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters and 2025 Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell in a star-studded Victorian midfield, while two-time Coleman medallist Jeremy Cameron will spearhead the Big V’s forward line.

As for Western Australia, Cripps will team up with Fremantle’s Shai Bolton, Bulldogs’ Aaron Naughton and Hawthorn’s Tom Barrass, with four players locked in from both sides.

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“Growing up in Victoria, you always dream of representing your state alongside the best players in the game, so to now get the chance again is pretty special. I can’t wait to run out there and represent the Big V,” Bontempelli said.

Cripps described it as a “huge honour to be chosen to represent WA”.

“There’s a real excitement around the return of the match and I can’t wait to play alongside Shai, Tom, Aaron and other WA stars come February,” the Blues skipper said.

Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli are locked in for AFL Origin (Photo by Dylan Burns / AFL Photos)Source: AFL Photos

WA will host Victoria at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14 in the first AFL Origin match in 25 years.

Further players from both sides are set to be announced next week.

“After sitting down with (Victorian chairman of selectors) Garry Lyon, it was quickly apparent there’s a phenomenal talent pool to pick from and it’s fantastic to have Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy commit to the Vics,” Victoria coach Chris Scott said.

“Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy are elite players in their own right and embody what is great about our game and what Origin football represents and as we edge closer to the game, there’s a real sense of anticipation building.

“I know I speak for all the boys when I say there’s enormous pride and excitement about pulling on the Big V and representing our state.”

WA coach Dean Cox was thrilled with the “incredible calibre” of names that have already committed to the Origin match.

“With some of the best players available including a dual Brownlow medallist, Premiership stars and All Australians, the excitement and anticipation is really starting to build for the match,” he said.

“There’s more top players to be announced in the squad in the coming weeks and I know the Western Australian players are extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent their state and play in the return of Origin and take it up to the Vics.”

CURRENT WESTERN AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Tom Barrass

Shai Bolton

Patrick Cripps

Aaron Naughton

CURRENT VICTORIA SQUAD

Marcus Bontempelli

Zak Butters

Jeremy Cameron

Matt Rowell