Lyon, Jakovich land key State of Origin roles

A passionate Big V advocate, Garry Lyon is the Chairman of Selectors for the Victoria team ahead of next year’s State of Origin return.

The Melbourne legend and former Vic regular, Lyon has announced that he will be the selection chief for the 2026 clash with Western Australia in Perth.

Lyon, who has called for AFL Origin to return for some time, is ecstatic to be handed such an important role for Victoria coach Chris Scott.

“I’m thrilled that it is back,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast. “I’ve been banging the desk for a long period of time.

“I also dropped off for a couple of years because I thought here wasn’t the appetite from the players and I maintain that if this was to work it has to be talent-driven.

“It would appear that the players have got that appetite again. We’ve constantly asked them over the last couple of years and it’s been really strong.

“Now they get that chance to back it up and hopefully when it comes around we’ll get two really strong, competitive footy sides.”

Lyon played in some remarkably strong Victorian teams in his heyday, alongside the likes of Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Snr, Jason Dunstall, Dermott Brereton, Stewart Loewe and Chris Grant, among others.

Seeing the modern day version of that coming together is something that excites him.

“That is the great thrill,” he said of seeing so many stars in the one side.

“In the end I got booted to centre half-back because there was no room in that team.

“To walk into those rooms was one of the great thrills of my footy career.

“I want that for these players. It’s pure footy, it’s as pure as it gets.”

There will be sceptics who believe this is just a kick-and-giggle but Lyon believes the players will take it seriously.

“I understand there’s people who don’t think it should come back and people thinking it’s a joke,” Lyon said.

“It’s not going to be, we’re not going to beg players to come back and play State footy. They’ve said they want it, the AFL have thrown considerable weight and resources behind it, they’ll be well compensated for it.

“It’s going to be massive in Western Australia, it will be a sellout. So I’m absolutely confident we’ll get a really strong side.

“Can you imagine Sam Darcy getting on the end of a sizzling pass from Zak Butters? That’s what excites me.”

West Coast legend Glen Jakovich has been named the Chairman of Selectors for Western Australia.

He was chuffed to work alongside WA coach and Eagles great Dean Cox.

“There's nothing like representing Western Australia, the state and jumper have a lot of pride and history, and I'm thrilled to be part of it,” Jakovich said.

“To work alongside Dean will make it even more special, I saw him develop from a young ruckman into a six-time All Australian and now watching him quickly become a highly respected coach from afar, and I can't wait to work with him again.”

Next year’s Origin clash between WA and the Vics on February 14, 2026 at Optus Stadium.