Danielle Laidley: How State of Origin helped shape my AFL career as revival brings opportunity

October 8, 1977. I was 10 years old and kicking the footy with my mates when my dad came to the park and told me I had to come home. Western Australia was taking on Victoria in the first every State of Origin game, and the score at quarter time was 6.5 (41) to 0.0 (0) in our favour. It was a must-watch for any WA footy fan and he didn’t want me to miss it. WA went on to win the game 23.13 (151) to 8.9 (57) — a truly remarkable result and one that changed the narrative of football in the State for generations to come. We were not inferior to the mighty Vics, and for a young person in the northern suburbs of Perth, I not only wanted to play for East Fremantle and North Melbourne, teams I had grown up supporting, I wanted to represent WA. I was obsessed. The concept for State of Origin was created by Leon Larkin, in part because of the talent the VFL was taking out of Western Australia. The WA public deserved to see all our homegrown talent play together in these State games. What a fantastic concept, the benefits that would follow of the years would be amazing, for players, coaches and WA football fans. I was lucky enough to play State footy for WA in my teenage years. It was my dream to play on the legendary Tuesday afternoon timeslot at Subiaco Oval against Victoria, and it became a reality for me in 1986, I was 19 years old. That day was a thrilling three-point WA victory and another amazing game. Our coach was Ron Alexander, then imagine playing with the magical Maurice Rioli Sr, the legendary Ross Glendinning and my all time favourite, the mercurial Gary Buckenara, not to mention Leon Baker, Phil Narkle, Brian Peake and more. There was a band of young stars like Andrew MacNish, Laurie Keene, Michael Mitchell, Geoff Miles, Dwayne Lamb and Peter Wilson who were on the verge of beginning of their V/AFL careers. Getting to play with the best, you watched, talked and learned how to be better. It was where a lot of relationships started, which I truly treasure. The experience was incredible, I roomed with Brad Hardie who won the Brownlow Medal in 1985. I met Brian Peake, who kicked seven goals for the game and Wayne Blackwell, who made the smother of year saving a late goal. There were two players in the squad that didn’t play that day, Chris Mainwaring and Rob Wiley. This is where my friendship with Chris began, he was an absolute champion person. Rob was injured and didn’t play and we were at the celebration dinner after the game and Rob wasn’t drinking. He told me he didn’t drink while injured, that’s why he won a premiership with Richmond, two with Perth and a staggering eight best and fairest awards. What a valuable lesson. My journey — above the opportunity, the education, the learning and relationships — is what this concept for is for. I implore any current player or coach that is invited to be there on the February 14, 2026. Do it because it will fill you with pride and will be something you will treasure for the rest of your life. For all of WA football supporters, I also implore you to get along, including the 1986 State of Origin generation of supporters. You know the experience, so bring the kids, the grandchildren, and pass the baton on. Etch these memories into this new generation and make everyone proud of the State with this new platform.