AFL Origin: Rita Saffioti eyeing off future games against South Australia and Irish in Perth

Sport Minister Rita Saffioti hopes next weekend’s State of Origin blockbuster in Perth will be the launching pad for future games in Perth, with a game against South Australia - as well as a possible stoush with the Irish - in her sights. The football-fanatic confirmed to The West Australian that the WA Government would hold talks with the AFL to get a SA versus WA Origin game in Perth next year. As well, Ms Saffioti said she would lobby the AFL for an International Rules game - Australian rules players versus Gaelic football players - to be played in Perth as part of a an annual February sporting extravaganza in the west. She said Perth had the perfect weather, the perfect venue and the best football fans to host big games in the WA capital at the beginning of each year - before the commencement of the AFL season proper. Ms Saffioti said she expected the WA versus Victoria State of Origin clash on February 14 to at least rival the AFL grand final played at Optus Stadium in 2021. “There’s all different models (future State of Origin games) being discussed. We’d love to beat the Vics and then take on South Australia,” Ms Saffioti said. “We are really keen to engage with the AFL to see what else we can do over the longer term. “I think sports people, regardless of the code, want to be able to represent their nation, or the State they play for. “I see this (WA versus Victoria) as a springboard for an annual State of Origin game.” AFL State of Origin returns after a nearly 30-year-hiatus, after strong lobbying by Ms Saffioti and the Cook Government for the first return game to be played in Perth. On paper, the Victorians look to be to be strong for WA. But former WA State of Origin coach Ron Alexander, who was involved in the historic WA versus Victoria game in 1986 which saw the Sandgropers win by three points, had this warning for the cocky Vics: “Write off WA at your peril”. Alexander said WA had a habit of beating the odds, often cast in the role of under dogs. “You never know who is going to do what and how the game is going to play out,” Alexander said. “They’ve got a great team on paper, but you wouldn’t write off Western Australia. “You don’t write off Western Australia at any time. “Those players would be chuffed to be playing for their State. “The WA boys will be putting in.” In 1986, after beating Victoria, WA were crowned Australian Football champions, after having previously beaten South Australia in Adelaide. Alexander also coached that side. WA beat SA by 39 points in that game in 1986. For WA, Steve Malaxos was among the players who wore the black and gold against SA in 1986, while star player Andrew Jarman represented SA. Dual Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale, Brodie Grundy and Jason Horne-Francis would likely feature for SA, if a State of Origin game against WA was scheduled next year. Ms Saffioti said February in Perth was a perfect time to stage big sporting events. “It’s pre-season (for AFL), ” she said. “They (clubs) are always looking for ways to get ready for the season proper. “We have incredible weather. “There are lots of reasons why February in Perth can be a key month to attract events and people to visit.” Ms Saffioti said apart from State of Origin, she was keen to attract International Rules, Australia versus the Irish, to Perth. “International Rules is something we would love to be hosting,” Ms Saffioti said. “The ability for our AFL players to represent their nation is something we (WA Government) should pursue. “I intend to (hold discussions with the AFL).” The February 14 game is a sell out, with 8000 interstate footy fans travelling west to see the game.