Lachie Neale set for hostile reception in Jules Neale’s hometown for State of Origin return at Optus Stadium

Rita Saffioti says she expects Freo supporters to give Lachie Neale a hard time when he plays in next year’s State of Origin match at Optus — but she says she won’t be encouraging supporters to boo the AFL superstar.

Neale was consistently booed by Fremantle supporters during last Saturday’s grand final loss to Brisbane.

“I suspect so (Neale will get a hard time from Fremantle supporters),” the Sports Minister said.

“Lachie of course played for Fremantle but left.

“There’s long history in relation to Lachie Neale.

“Our players get booed a lot too.

“But I try not to encourage booing.”

Barring injury over the summer pre-season, Neale – now a Collingwood player – will be part of a powerful SA contingent to take on WA at Optus Stadium.

The 2027 AFL State-of-Origin game follows this year’s blockbuster WA versus Victoria match in which the Vics beat the Sandgropers.

South Australia will return to Origin for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Apart from Neale, the SA team is likely to feature AFL stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jordan Dawson, Brodie Grundy and Jason-Horne Francis.

“We have had such a huge AFL season, and I think everyone is already counting down the days to the start of next season,” Ms Saffioti said.

“The Origin game in Perth next year will be a great prelude to the start of the AFL season.

“There will be huge demand to be at this game.

“South Australians will want to come over and watch their state team.

“They are a proud football state, so they will very much want to be involved.

“And West Australians will turn out for the game.”

Ms Saffioti said the WA versus game would most likely be played in March, rather than February.

“I think it’s potentially March next year,” Ms Saffioti said.

In addition to next year’s AFL Origin game at Optus Stadium, WA has also secured another Origin match against Victoria in 2029.

Ms Saffioti said ideally, she’d love an Origin carnival, featuring WA, Victoria, SA and a combined all-stars side played in Perth in 2029.

“A four-team carnival would work,” Ms Saffioti said.