Jeremy Cameron has been ruled out of the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin game, yet his presence lingers in the team’s WhatsApp group chat. Despite his absence on the field, Cameron remains an integral part of the conversation, thanks to Joel Selwood, who has taken on the role of player liaison officer. Selwood added all team members to the group, including Ben King, who joined late last week.
Patrick Dangerfield has emerged as the most vocal participant in the chat. Geelong’s representation in the Victorian team is strong, with Tom Stewart and Max Holmes selected in December, and Bailey Smith joining last week. Smith’s inclusion has injected fresh energy into the group, sparking lively exchanges, including a playful jab from a Western Bulldogs star directed at his former teammate.
The Coaching and Support Team
Leading the Victorian squad is two-time premiership coach Chris Scott, who brings with him Stephen Nicholls, an analyst from the Cats, and Dr. Steve Saunders, the club’s science and medicine consultant. Assisting Scott are Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and Gold Coast midfield coach Shaun Grigg. Brisbane GM Danny Daly will also contribute in a traditional, comprehensive footy manager role.
The support staff is equally impressive, with Collingwood’s high-performance boss Jarrod Wade, Western Bulldogs’ head of sports medicine Chris Bell, and North Melbourne’s head of strength John Leyden all heading west. Additionally, a Hawthorn trio comprising Liam West (doctor), Andrew Lambart (head physio), and Alex Stone (head dietician) will join the team, along with St Kilda’s player development manager Tony Brown.
Preparations and Traditions
The Victorians are set to fly to Perth on Wednesday, marking the first Origin fixture since Victoria hosted South Australia at the MCG in 1999. Both teams will train at West Coast’s base, Mineral Resources Park, on Thursday, followed by a captain’s run at Optus Stadium on Friday morning.
A welcome dinner at Crown on Thursday night will see players receive their ‘Big V’ jumper and blazer, with Victorian greats such as chairman of selectors Garry Lyon participating. The event will also honor three E.J. Whitten Medal winners: Brent Harvey, Dale Weightman, and Simon Madden, who have been invited to join the Victorians in Perth.
Family Involvement and Player Activities
The AFL has extended invitations to the partners and children of every selected player, integrating families into the week’s activities and providing nannies for support. The itinerary includes visits to Rottnest Island, Caversham Wildlife Park, rounds of golf, and a lobster charter, promising a blend of relaxation and team bonding.
Joel Selwood, a four-time premiership winner with 355 appearances for the Cats, holds records for most games as captain (245) and most finals (40). Although he played only once for Victoria in a 2008 tribute game, Selwood’s current role in the AFL’s football operations department sees him heavily involved in the Origin series.
“The selection of new players and the involvement of families are contributing to a rejuvenated team spirit, essential for the upcoming challenge against Western Australia.”
As the team prepares to head west, the blend of experienced leadership, fresh talent, and familial support seems poised to reignite the Big V’s competitive edge, setting the stage for an exciting return to the AFL Origin series.
