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5 unusual facts about Interstate matches in Australian rules football


Australian regional rivalries

The very first interstate match was held between the two states in 1879.

"Kick a Vic" became the later South Australian catchcry in State of Origin football.

Australian rules football in the Goldfields region of Western Australia

The Goldfields were awarded a separate seat on the Australian National Football Council from 1903–19, although both leagues combined to form one Western Australian representative team for National Carnivals during this time.

Interstate matches in Australian rules football

Greg Champion performed a song called Don't Let The Big V Down - Greg Champion after the traditional navy blue jumper with a large white V used to represent Victoria in such games.

Inveresk and York Park Precinct, Launceston

Beforehand, only North Launceston and state football games were played.


Mark Ricciuto

Also representing South Australia in interstate football and Australia in the International Rules Series, Ricciuto was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2011, and the South Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ted Whitten

During a State of Origin game only weeks before his death, Whitten, suffering from blindness due to the cancer, was driven around a lap of the MCG, with his son Ted jr. by his side and Mariah Carey's "Hero" playing on the PA system.


see also