REPRESENTING the West.

This comes as no surprise: Patrick Cripps has been confirmed to be one of the players taking part in next year’s AFL Origin.

Making a return for the first time since 1999, AFL Origin will see Victoria head to Western Australia on Saturday 14 February at Optus Stadium.

And the dual Brownlow Medallist will be front and centre representing his state, as one of four players announced by the AFL on Friday morning.

The Carlton captain has always taken deep pride in his story, coming from Northampton - a town 500km north of Perth with a population of 800.

The Northampton boy will play against the Big V in February 2026.

Come next February, he’ll be going head to head against the ‘Big V’, with the respective teams to continue to take shape over the coming months.

“It’s a huge honour to be chosen to represent WA,” Cripps said.

“There’s a real excitement around the return of the match and I can’t wait to play alongside Shai, Tom, Aaron and other WA stars come February.”

Member presale tickets (AFL and Club members) go on-sale from Tuesday 18 November, with the general public on-sale to launch on Wednesday 19 November. It will be broadcast live on both Channel 7 and FOX FOOTY/Kayo.