AFL

Star defender Jacob Weitering was among several players hurt in State of Origin. Carlton have said when they believe he can play this season.

After Lachie Neale vacated the captaincy in the wake of off-field drama this summer, Brisbane have opted for an unusual path with their leadership.

Not only was Optus Stadium packed for the highly-anticipated return of AFL Origin, but viewers across Australia tuned in to watch  Western Australia battle Victoria on Saturday night.

Victoria held off a spirited WA comeback in the final term to run out 24-point winners in front of a passionate and heaving Origin crowd at Optus Stadium.

Western Australia have turned to one of their favourite footy sons for inspiration in Saturday night’s Origin epic. 

‘Trying to edit that out would have been tough.’

Get all the broadcast details as Victoria and Western Australia battle for supremacy.

It’s not just State v State on Saturday - there’s also individual pride on the line. Here are the showdowns that could define the game.

He is one of the stars fans will be lining up to see do battle on Saturday night, but it may not be how they expect.

It was a match that defined his career, but Brent Harvey had to make a big sacrifice to make it happen.

Victoria captain Marcus Bontempelli has played down any suggestion of an ongoing feud with his State teammate Toby Greene ahead of the pair lining up alongside each other in AFL Origin.

The former teammates are suddenly together again after a frosty 12 months and some very public barbs.

Tom Green is in ‘shock’ and unlikely to play this year, after suffering a serious knee injury during pre-season training.

From the greatest team of all time to the greatest game of all time, relive the top State of Origin moments ahead of its return on Saturday.