The AFL is already attempting to drum up hype for the return on next year’s State of Origin , unveiling the first batch of stars who will feature in the game in Perth in February.

Respected captains Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Cripps look set to lead Victoria and Western Australia respectively, while another eight guns have also been named to play.

Former Richmond premiership hero and Fremantle jet Shai Bolton, Hawthorn defender and former Eagle Tom Barrass, and Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton will play for WA along side Cripps.

Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell, Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, and Geelong power forward Jeremy Cameron will play alongside Bontempelli for the Vics.

But the early unveiling has come with a grim warning from Channel 7’s AFL expert Kane Corn

See Full Page