State of Origin is something pretty much all footy fans would love to see once again, I would, and if you’re reading this you probably do too. My home state of South Australia has a proud history in State of Origin matches, and if a team were to line up in the tricolours again today, they’d be tough and bursting with talent. I have picked a couple players who have missed some footy, but are easy inclusions, even though they’ve only played eight or nine matches instead of twelve or thirteen.
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Defenders
The backline is one of the strongest parts of this team, with elite defenders Rory Laird, Phil Davis, Shannon Hurn, Tom Jonas and Brodie Smith all making the cut, along with still emerging star Caleb Daniel. Hurn and Davis would also likely be captain and deputy respectively as pillars in defence, with serious rebounding ability a danger through Crow’s stars Laird and Smith.
Midfielders
Ruckman Brodie Grundy was my first picked player for this team. The Pies star is having yet another outstanding season and will look to dominate the hitouts against all other sides. Around him, talented players Lachie Neale and Jared Polec will be handy, and Jack Redden, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Shane Edwards all have the toughness to compete with the league’s best.
Forwards
Up front Westhoff and Stanley loom as dangerous targets, with Lycett slotting in nicely up front and taking back up ruck duties. Ebert adds to the trio of Power players all in good form, and Wingard and Fantasia make for a frighteningly good crumbing duo. A real dangerous key forward is missing from the SA side, but there’s enough fire power to pack on plenty of goals.
Interchange
With a stacked side, Jack Hombsch, Wayne Milera, George Hewett and Connor Rozee all miss out on a field spot, but feel for the likes of Luke Brown, Bryce Gibbs, Levi Greenwood and Trent Dumont who miss out on this team all together. There’s plenty of depth in SA, especially defensively, and this side would definitely compete with any challenger.
Full Team
B: Shannon Hurn (C), Phil Davis (VC), Caleb Daniel
HB: Rory Laird, Tom Jonas, Brodie Smith
C: Jack Redden, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Shane Edwards
HF: Brad Ebert, Justin Westhoff, Rhys Stanley
F: Chad Wingard, Scott Lycett, Orazio Fantasia
FOL: Brodie Grundy, Lachie Neale, Jared Polec
INT: Jack Hombsch, Wayne Milera, George Hewett, Connor Rozee
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