As the only Gold Coast SUN to represent Western Australia in the weekend's AAMI AFL Origin match, Wil Powell came up against four fellow teammates donning the big V.

The elite state match-up between Victoria and Western Australia was the first of its kind played in over 25 years, pulling a crowd of 58,000 fans.

The hybrid defender was honoured to represent his home state over the weekend, finding it an incredible opportunity to train and play among some of Western Australia's best, as well as being back home where it all began. 

“It was an awesome experience, and it’s not every day that you get to line up on teams of absolute superstars,” Powell said.

“It was especially cool getting to play and connect with Tom Barrass because he was drafted from Scarborough Junior Football Club where I played growing up.

“I used to see his plaque on the wall at the club, and it always inspired me when I was younger.”

“I even went back to my primary school and saw some of my old teachers which was really nice, funny too.

The 26-year-old had 10 disposals and a pair of inside 50s and score involvements from 60% time on ground.

Coming up against four fellow SUNS leaders in Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, Sam Collins, and Ben King was a memorable part of Powell’s Origin experience. 

“It was pretty special when I moved into the midfield and was up against Rowelly and Noah because they’re absolute jets," the defender said.

“They are superstars in their own respects, and I have played with them, but to come up against them and see what they do on the field was something else.

“It was probably the fastest, most intense game I have played so far.”

Sights now turn to the Gold Coast’s first pre-season match against St Kilda on Thursday night. 

“The boys have been training really well over pre-season, so it’ll be great to get in as a whole group and play some actual minutes against an opposition side,” Powell said.

Don’t miss out on the hottest ticket in town, secure your seats via membership.goldcoastfc.com.au.