WA treasurer, AFL boss hold quiet talks for February State of Origin

Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti met with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on Saturday to discuss the prospect of a pre-season State of Origin-style match between Western Australia and Victoria next February.

WAtoday and Nine News Perth can reveal Saffioti met with Dillon while he was in Perth for the Dockers’ North Melbourne match, with the State of Origin game top of the agenda.

Fresh after delivering the state budget on Thursday Saffioti on Friday morning confirmed that while the game was “not a done deal”, both parties were very keen.

“We’re working on a proposal,” she said.

“I think everyone’s very excited … about having a WA State of Origin game in AFL.

“There are some good discussions happening.

“This would be an incredible drawcard for the state. I think thousands would come, and I know many of the players are actually excited; in particular, those based over east are very keen to play for their state.”

Saffioti said pre-season was the time to host such a match as in-season was less likely to work out. Injuries and fatigue would be less of an issue for clubs as they would already playing pre-season matches.

Optus Stadium in Perth hosted a near-capacity game two of the NRL’s State of Origin on Wednesday, which Saffioti said was a huge tourism drawcard, as would be an AFL State of Origin.

“We haven’t had one for so long. I remember going and just loving to seeing the Western Australian stars playing with the WA jumper – it’s a great concept,” she said.

WA hosted the first State of Origin match under the modern format in October 1977 with its team playing Victoria at Subiaco.

The last AFL State of Origin match was held in Melbourne in Victoria, against South Australia.

With Peter Ryan

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