Dogs duo Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton have been selected to represent Victoria and Western Australia respectively in next year’s AFL State of Origin.

The two states will go head-to-head on Saturday 14 February at Optus Stadium, with the state-based rivalry returning to the elite level for the first time in more than 25 years.

07:41

2025 Doug Hawkins Medal | Marcus Bontempelli speech

Hear from Marcus Bontempelli, runner up and winner of the Doug Hawkins Medal at the 2025 Charles Sutton medal

Geelong’s Chris Scott will coach the ‘Big V’, while Sydney’s Dean Cox will lead WA.

Bontempelli first pulled on the Victorian jumper during the 2020 Bushfire Relief charity match, with next year’s outing to mark Naughton’s first as a ‘Black Swan’.

“Growing up in Victoria, you always dream of representing your state alongside the best players in the game, so to now get the chance to again is pretty special. It will be a huge honour and I can’t wait to run out there and represent the Big V,” Bontempelli said.

02:08

Aaron Naughton | 'We focused on my strengths'

Aaron Naughton reflects on the work he put in over the 2025 season.

Team captains will be confirmed closer to the match.

Further players for both Victoria and Western Australia will be announced next week, with tickets on sale from Tuesday,18 November for AFL and Club members at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT via Ticketmaster, followed by General Public access on Wednesday, 19 November at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT.

Bulldogs confirmed for 2026 AFL Origin

As of December 19

Western Australia:

Rory Lobb
State League Club: Swan Districts
Community Club: Bassendean
 
Aaron Naughton 
State League Club: Peel Thunder
Community Club: Rockingham

Victoria:

Marcus Bontempelli
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Eltham

Sam Darcy
State Leage Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Glen Iris

Ed Richards
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Hawthorn Citizens