Origin and intraclubs and footy, oh my
For the first time in 2026, football has been played by West Australians and the WA teams. We have some thoughts.
G’day Sandgropers! We didn’t get it done on Saturday but my god, that was entertaining. Long live Origin (more to follow).
People played football on the weekend, and there were a couple of intraclubs as well. I can’t tell you how much of a relief that was. I really didn’t have much pre-season training content left in me…
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In today’s newsletter: A win for Origin footy, Jackson’s mid trial, injured Eagle’s impressive return, the rise again of Murphy Reid, an early stake in the ground and the big Eagle who dominated the intraclub.
Let’s get stuck in.
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ORIGIN
Bad news first: I owe Xavier Ellis a carton. Everything else was good news. The contest was entertaining, the scores were close in the fourth quarter, the crowd was frothing, the TV ratings were immense, and everybody wants to do it again. The question is… who plays? Heart says Victoria should hold the court and play South Australia next year. Then WA v SA the following year. Head says the WA Government will be at the table with serious incentives to host again - either a rematch or WA v SA.
I was almost right. If WA had a bit more class in the middle, we would have pinched it. If we’re in it again next year it’s the obvious thing to address - but the cupboard is a little bare. Joe Fonti is one I’d consider, but that’s more for delivery out of the backline. Actually, looking at the list as I write this, it pretty much is what it is… unless someone like Dan Curtin or even Elijah Hewett takes a massive leap this season.
How good was it to see Jake Waterman back on the field and performing at a high level. Jesse Hogan was undeniably WA’s best, but Waterman was the next best forward behind him. Used his body well, got up the ground to get involved in scoring chains - has not missed a beat. If the young Eagles can get it to him, he looks ready to kick 40+ for the second time in his career.
Came away from Luke Jackson’s midfield run thoroughly whelmed. He was pretty good in the role, but more impactful when he went forward. He didn’t look out of place. If that’s the floor, they’re onto something.
Jeez I’m a fan of Wil Powell off half-back. Reckon he’s in for a massive year. As if Gold Coast needed any extra help. Booming, accurate kick and willing to take the game on. Thought he was very good for WA.
Danielle Laidley’s player ratings in The West are always a good read, do yourself a favour.
I hope they do an AFLW version later this year because WA will slaughter the Vics in that fixture.
FREMANTLE
Jesus Christ, Murphy Reid might be better than we thought in year two. My gut feel was it would be better to leave him forward another year, but in the Dockers’ intraclub last week he played mainly on-ball and was best on ground. He had 31 touches, set up multiple goals and racked up the clearances. When you watch the vision, his touch is crazy, particularly by hand. The person receiving the ball doesn’t even have to think about adjusting stride. Boy oh boy, wowee.
Hayden Young kept going forward, he kicked two goals, which is a watch-and-see going into the pre-season fixtures. Don’t love it, given he kicks goals from the middle anyway, but if that’s the switch to give more minutes to Reid, I don’t hate it either.
Tobyn Murray looks like the kind of guy you can depend on as a small forward. Repeat efforts, defensive intensity and makes the most of his opportunities when they arise. That’s as much as you can do in that position.
I’m also putting an early stake in the ground on Adam Sweid, almost every session there are one or two bits of vision that make your eyebrows lift. Not saying he’s going to come in and star - just underlining his name in case he does, so I can say I told you so…
WEST COAST
Let’s start with a very good read from Nathan Schmook at AFL Media, speaking to Andrew McQualter about the inner workings of the Eagles offseason. Pod will be a must-listen when it drops.
Cooper Duff-Tytler was the story of the West Coast intraclub. The big teenager played forward and kicked five. Yes, he wasn’t playing against superstars but if you can’t get a bit of joy out of your pick No.4 kicking a bag in February, then you need some help.
At least two of those goals came off the back of some Harley Reid brilliance, the first breaking through a pack at speed, and the second spotting CDT up with a slick 45 across goal.
If Josh Lindsay keeps kicking like he did at Lathlain, he’ll be hard to keep out. Give him a gap and he’ll hit the kick.
That’s the lot for today. Thanks again for reading.
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