‘Discussion I Wish to Pursue’: Andrew Dillon Proposes State of Origin Revival Following All Stars Triumph

The AFL’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Dillon, has expressed a keen interest in revitalising State of Origin football in the foreseeable future.

Following the successful Indigenous All Stars match against Fremantle last weekend, Dillon has placed both the All Stars initiative and State of Origin firmly on the agenda for potential reinstatement.

Encouraged by the growing enthusiasm surrounding the concept, Dillon assured that the All Stars would be reintroduced on a regular basis.

“We are fully committed to the Indigenous All Stars. Whether that’s an annual event or held every couple of years is something we need to consider,” Dillon stated on Wednesday.

While Dillon was somewhat less optimistic regarding State of Origin, he confirmed it remains a topic of ongoing dialogue.

“I can’t definitively endorse (State of Origin), nor can I dismiss it, but it’s definitely a discussion I’d like to pursue with the players and the clubs,” Dillon remarked.

The State of Origin format has not been contested since the last century, with Victoria winning against South Australia back in 1999.

Dillon understands that the desire for its return is steadily increasing among supporters.

“There’s a noticeable groundswell of support for it; finding the appropriate timing is crucial. However, perhaps that weekend we just experienced hints at a potential appetite for footy – I can’t discount it, but I also can’t confirm it,” he added.

“Last weekend showcased that it could be a great opportunity for representative football. We’ll engage in further discussions with clubs and players about how this could evolve in the coming weeks and months.”

Dillon indicated his desire for the 2026 season schedule to feature an All Stars game and potentially integrate State of Origin as well. He mentioned that the following year’s timetable should be confirmed around the middle of the year.

“I anticipate that by mid-year we will have a clearer idea of our plans, and we can incorporate that into next year’s fixture,” Dillon remarked.

Nearly 38,000 spectators gathered at Optus Stadium to witness the All Stars triumph over Fremantle last weekend.