Ron Alexander acknowledges that Western Australia may enter the upcoming State-versus-State football match as the underdogs, yet he remains optimistic that the enthusiastic crowd at Optus Stadium can provide the edge needed to overcome the highly talented team from Victoria.
Approximately 8,000 supporters from Victoria are anticipated to make the journey to Perth for the showdown, but the majority of the stadium”s 60,000 seats are expected to be filled with fans clad in the state”s colors of black and gold for the AFL Origin game scheduled for next Saturday.
Alexander, a legendary figure in WA football, boasts a remarkable history that includes participating in the very first State of Origin match in 1977 and leading the team to a memorable victory over Victoria in a nail-biting three-point finish in 1986. He expressed his belief that while the significance of home-field advantage has evolved since his playing days—when teams were less familiar with venues like Subiaco Oval—he is confident it will still play a crucial role in the contest.
“The West Australian boys will be out there wanting to win the game, and having a West Australian crowd certainly helps,” said Alexander. “WA players have played at Optus Stadium; they”ve played on that ground before. When we played in the first State of Origin match, most of us playing for WA had played at Subiaco Oval, while many from Victoria had not.”
He emphasized the honor of being selected to represent one”s state, noting that players aspire to earn those distinctive guernseys and gain recognition. “People want to watch as well and see that standard of game,” he added.
While Alexander concedes that Victoria is likely to enter the match as the favorites—given their players” accolades such as numerous Brownlow Medals and premierships—he also pointed out that the unpredictable nature of Origin football often defies pre-game expectations.
“You just don”t know, that”s why you play the game,” he remarked. “They”ve won more Brownlow Medals and premierships, so WA would have to go in as underdogs.” He reflected on the earlier years of his State career when players were primarily recognized by their league affiliations rather than their home states, admitting that he himself represented Victoria twice during his tenure with Fitzroy.
Alexander expressed relief that the format shifted before the inaugural 1977 clash, stating, “Before that, you felt you were the underdogs because it was WA versus the rest of Australia. All the better players played in Victoria, supposedly.” He recalled the challenges faced by WA teams, often competing against a mix of players from various states, and the struggle that came with losing closely contested games.
As excitement builds for the AFL Origin match, the blend of local support and competitive spirit promises to make for a thrilling encounter on the field.
