AFL Origin Stars Warned: 'Bring Your Mouthguard' as Intense Training Sets Tone for Blockbuster
Any lingering doubts about the seriousness of Saturday night's AFL State of Origin blockbuster were emphatically dismissed on Thursday as both teams engaged in an intense training session filled with competitive fire and verbal sparring.
In a Hollywood-calibre display at Mineral Resources Park, fifty of the nation's finest footballers from the Victorian and West Australian squads were put through their paces just two days before the historic clash. The session showcased the elite skill and fierce determination that will define this long-awaited return to State versus State football.
No 'Bruise-Free' Football Promised
West Australian players have thrown down the gauntlet to their Victorian counterparts, explicitly rejecting suggestions that the sold-out event would resemble an exhibition match. Players from both sides have bristled at such characterisations, instead pledging to go flat out—even against their own club teammates.
The competitive spirit was evident when Melbourne captain and Victorian ruckman Max Gawn warned his Demons teammate and West Australian midfielder Trent Rivers to "bring his mouthguard." Similarly, Port Adelaide colleagues Mitch Georgiades and Zak Butters have pledged to line each other up during the contest.
Training Intensity Reaches New Heights
West Australian coaches added fuel to the rivalry during their training session with a drill provocatively labelled "kick a Vic," a homage to the phrase used during Origin's golden era. The drill, overseen by Fremantle boss and State assistant Justin Longmuir, focused on pressure and chasing, offering a clear preview of the intensity WA will bring before an expected crowd of up to 60,000 at Optus Stadium.
Another drill called "warm up 80's style" paid tribute to WA's famous victories over Victoria in 1983 and 1986, connecting the current squad to their state's proud Origin history.
Stars Shine in Competitive Atmosphere
Good friends and football megastars Nick Daicos and Bailey Smith led the way during Victoria's slick morning session, with Smith also reuniting with his former Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli. Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield proved a popular figure among the Victorian squad, while Matt Rowell and Zak Butters demonstrated impressive synergy that Victorian selector Garry Lyon described as "footy porn."
West Australia's stars including Chad Warner, Kysaiah Pickett, and Patrick Cripps showcased both skill and good humour during their session, though the competitive edge remained unmistakable. New West Coast captain Liam Baker even placed Pickett in a playful headlock at one stage, demonstrating the camaraderie mixed with competitive fire.
Players Emphasise Full Commitment
Despite Victoria entering as overwhelming favourites, West Australian defender Nathan Broad declared the underdogs would be going all out not only to cause an upset but to ensure AFL Origin continues as a regular fixture. Broad dismissed concerns about injury risks, noting that football inherently involves danger whether in training, intra-club games, or representative matches.
"We're representing our state. No one is going to take the foot off," Broad asserted. "There's lots of commentary about players taking it easy and bruise-free football—but that's not how we're going about it. If this is going to be a thing going forward, it's got to be all-in, and we're all-in."
Coaches Set Uncompromising Standards
Victorian selector Garry Lyon revealed that coach Chris Scott had laid down the law early to his squad, telling players: "If you think this is a Mickey Mouse situation, then you're in the wrong place." When asked if players would give 100 percent, Lyon responded: "I don't even need to answer that. If you've got a ticket, come and have a look and make your own mind up. I've got absolutely no doubt."
Victoria and Greater Western Sydney defender Lachie Ash described the training session as "pretty sharp" and called it a "privilege" to be involved in the historic event. "Obviously, it is a unique experience, it hasn't been done in 26-27 years," Ash noted. "He said just enjoy it. Don't take it for granted, I guess, go out there and put your best foot forward."
Personal Significance for Players
Geelong young gun Lawson Humphries, who will represent WA on Saturday night, compared the lead-in to last season's grand final while acknowledging the different passion involved in state representation. "Playing for WA, it means a lot to a lot more people. It's a different passion," Humphries explained. "But it's somewhat comparable to the passion that people have. It's footy at the end of the day. So everybody loves footy and it means a lot to a lot of other people."
The AFL has invited families of all players to travel to the match, adding personal significance to the occasion. Broad reflected on this aspect, saying: "I never thought I'd play as many AFL games as I have let alone win a premiership, and to do this now where my career is at, I'm not getting any younger so this is something that I'll cherish and is awesome to have on my resume. For the WA boys we get our family and friends to come and watch. And they're super stoked, so it's a proud moment to represent my family and the state."
Adding further inspiration, WA chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich along with Origin legends Ross Glendinning and Stephen Michael have addressed the group, connecting the current players to the state's rich football heritage.
