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Western Australia vs Victoria AFL Origin Betting Tips - Victoria backed in return of Origin clash

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Thu 12 Feb 2026 20:12
AFL State of Origin returns with Western Australia taking on Victoria for the first time since 1992. Western Australia, focusing on power and chaos, might struggle against Victoria's depth and control, suggesting a likely win for Victoria by 1-39 points. Key players for WA include Patrick Cripps and Shai Bolton, while Victoria relies on Max Gawn's strategic presence supported by Marcus Bontempelli's midfield prowess. With such a thrilling matchup and the expectation of high-scoring performances, fans anticipate Toby Greene to excel, and Luke Jackson to shine on his home turf.
Jeremy Darke 12 Feb 2026
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  • Western Australia vs Victoria marks AFL State of Origin's return after 31 years
  • Victoria's depth and methodical approach tip them as favorites by 1-39 points
  • Expect standout performances from Toby Greene and Luke Jackson
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afl state of origin
AFL State of Origin kicks off the new season (Getty Images)

Western Australia vs Victoria Preview


AFL State of Origin returns for the first time since 1992 as Western Australia take on Victoria. It promises to be a special occasion and Victory have the better depth and can win by 1-39 points.

Head to Head 


Western Australia and Victoria have not played each other since 1992, when the Big V thrashed W.A 157-90 in front of a crowd of 32 152 at the MCG.

Western Australia Team Analysis 


WA are set up as the momentum side, built around power and chaos rather than control. 

Patrick Cripps is the tone-setter in the middle with Chad Warner adding burst and speed, while Shai Bolton and Kysaiah Pickett provide genuine damage around stoppages and inside 50. 

Up forward, Bolton, Pickett and Charlie Cameron thrive in broken play, with Jesse Hogan and Jake Waterman giving them strong aerial presence. 

Luke Jackson is the wildcard, capable of rotating through the ruck, midfield and forward line, shifting the dynamic of the game. 

In defence, Sam Taylor and Tom Barrass form a reliable key pairing, supported by Nathan Broad’s composure. 

The concern for WA is sustainability. They will likely rely on sharp bursts rather than long control, and if they don’t capitalise on those moments, this game could get away from them.

Western Australia Team List (Predicted)


B: Lawson Humphries, Tom Barrass, Nathan Broad
HB: Liam Baker, Sam Taylor, Jordan Clark
C: Bradley Hill, Patrick Cripps, Wil Powell
HF: Shai Bolton, Aaron Naughton, Kysaiah Pickett
F: Mitch Georgiades, Jesse Hogan, Charlie Cameron
FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Luke Jackson, Chad Warner

I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Stephen Coniglio, Tim English, Rory Lobb, Jaeger O’Meara, Trent Rivers, Jake Waterman

Coach: Dean Cox

Victoria Team Analysis


Victoria are built around control, depth and method. Max Gawn is central to that, not just as a tap ruckman, but as a structural presence who can dictate the tempo of stoppages and allow the midfield to set up behind the ball. 

He’s supported by Jeremy Cameron’s physicality and follow-up work at ground level. 

Through the middle, Marcus Bontempelli, Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson provide class and balance, while Caleb Serong, Ed Richards, Zach Merrett and Max Holmes ensure there’s no drop-off when rotations roll through. 

Their depth is the biggest strength for Victoria as they will be able to make seamless interchanges.

Up forward, Ben King and Sam Darcy will be the focal point, while Toby Greene and Patrick Dangerfield will be buzzing around to pick up scraps and punish turnovers. 

Victoria’s approach will be patient and territory-driven forcing WA wide and making them execute under pressure. If it becomes a repeat-entry contest, they’ll likely grind WA down, though chaos could test their structure.

Victoria Team List (Predicted)


B: Tom Stewart, Sam Collins, Josh Battle
HB: Lachie Ash, Jacob Weitering, Jack Sinclair
C: Caleb Serong, Matthew Rowell, Hugh McCluggage
HF: Zak Butters, Ben King, Noah Anderson
F: Toby Greene, Sam Darcy, Patrick Dangerfield
FOLL: Max Gawn, Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos

I/C: Jack Gunston, Max Holmes, Zach Merrett, Ed Richards, Tristan Xerri, Blake Hardwick, Bailey Smith

Coach: Chris Scott

Verdict

Victoria are tipped to have too much depth for WA winning by a 1-39. There is likely to be plenty of points so expect Toby Greene to kick a couple of goals while Luke Jackson get one in front of his home crowd.

Best Bet1: Victoria 1-39 Winning Margin @11/10 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Toby Greene 2+ Goals @17/20 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Luke Jackson Anytime Goal Scorer @11/17 at Star Sports - 4 Units
Victoria
1-39 Winning Margin
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Luke Jackson
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