The future of AFL State of Origin is bright after a 58,000-strong sellout crowd at Optus Stadium witnessed end-to-end football full of class and plenty of feeling.

The star-studded Victorians were on the back foot early, conceding back-to-back goals in the opening minutes, but from there on out were in control as they surged to 18.17 (125) to 15.11 (101) victory.

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Giants forward Jesse Hogan was awarded the Graham Moss Medal as his state’s best, kicking 5 goals, while Ben King did the damage at the other end, slotting four home.

However, the AFL world’s worst fears were also realised with star defender Jacob Weitering taken to hospital after a heavy landing in a marking contest with Mitch Georgiades in the first quarter.

Weitering, Carlton’s star defender, was stretchered off with a shoulder/rib injury, as well as concussion.

On Sunday the Blues confirmed Weitering had been cleared of neck, spinal or major internal injury damage and had been discharged from hospital. He will return home to Melbourne on Sunday.

“First and foremost we are grateful Jacob is okay and has been cleared of any major injury – it is a positive outcome given the circumstances,” Carlton’s GM of Football Chris Davies said.

“While Jacob is feeling sore this morning, he has avoided significant damage, so we will manage him as needed while we ramp up our preparations for the start of the season.

“Although that moment in the game was unfortunate, it does not take away from the fact that our football club is incredibly proud of both Jacob and Patrick (Cripps) for earning the honour to represent their respective states.

“It is a fantastic career achievement that both Jacob and Patrick can hold deer to them for the remainder of their careers.”

Weitering is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines with Victorian coach Chris Scott saying he expectes the 28-year-old to miss some games.

“I hope Jacob’s OK,” Scott said.

“One thing I should say is the care for the players was first class, the high performance team was really representative of most clubs of the competition.

“What we’ve decided from here is to allow Carlton to give the update. They’ve been well informed. Our understanding is that it’s serious enough that you need to be updated on it, and he’s going to miss a period of time, I think. But I wouldn’t like to say anything more than that out of respect for Carlton.”

Carlton will be sweating on Weitering’s fitness ahead of their season opener against the Sydney Swans on March 5, when Weitering was expected to lock horns with former teammate Charlie Curnow.

And the injury toll didn’t stop there, with Sam Taylor, Mitch Georgiades and Cal Ah Chee all coming off with “hamstring awareness”, while reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell was assessed for a finger injury.

There was plenty of scepticism around the first State of Origin game this century, but the players gave it their all and were happy to get up in the grill of their on-field rivals.

Pride and passion weren’t lacking, but the injury toll before the new season is also hard to overlook.

It was an entertaining match and something footy fans desperately craved after months without the Sherrin. But will it be here to stay? Time will tell.

You can catch up on all the key moments below.