Matt Rowell’s incredible 2025 continues to reach new heights, today selected to represent Victoria in February’s 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match.
Rowell was today announced as a headliner in the Big V squad for February’s clash between Victoria and Western Australia at Optus Stadium following a remarkable 2025 campaign.
After playing an integral role in the SUNS charge to its first AFL finals campaign, Rowell made history to become the Gold Coast SUNS’ second Brownlow Medal winner in record-breaking style before also claiming his first Club Champion and a maiden All Australian blazer.
Rowell joins fellow midfielders Marcus Bontempelli and Zak Butters as well as Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron as confirmed inclusions for Victoria.
SUNS Senior Coach Damien Hardwick, who coached Victoria in the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match in 2020, is thrilled to see Rowell selected.
“If it were up to me, he’d be one of the first names on the team sheet and it’s great to see that I’m not alone in saying that,” Hardwick said.
“Matt has thrived on the big stage for the Gold Coast SUNS and there are few players more suited to an Origin arena.
“It’s fantastic to see a new generation of players earning the opportunity to represent their state and I’m sure it will be a proud moment for both Matt and his family to see him pull on the Big V.”
Tickets for the AAMI AFL Origin are on sale at Tuesday,18 November for AFL and Club members at 11am (QLD) following by general public on sale on Wednesday, 19 November.
