The Unforgettable 1986 AFL State of Origin Clash
In July 1986, nearly 40,000 fans packed into Subiaco Oval on a Tuesday afternoon, witnessing what many consider the greatest interstate football match in AFL history. Western Australia snatched victory from Victoria in a chaotic, frenzied atmosphere that left an indelible mark on all who were present. As the teams prepare to meet again in Perth on 14 February, the legacy of that iconic game looms large, with experts and fans alike questioning whether modern reboots can ever capture its explosive energy.
A Peak That Will Never Come Again
Brendan Foster, a seasoned sports observer, recalls the thunderous noise and palpable tension as Gary Buckenara's late snap put Western Australia ahead. The stands seemed to shake under the weight of rapturous supporters, a mix of sugar-fuelled school children and midweek revellers. Foster describes the event as surpassing even the most dramatic AFL finals or intense Old Firm derbies, labelling it a "kind of peak that never comes again," echoing Hunter S. Thompson's words. This sentiment is widely shared, with the 1986 clash often cited as the high-water mark for State of Origin footy, a series that later dwindled in the 1990s.
Key Moments and Strategic Gambles
The match was defined by bold coaching decisions and blistering gameplay. Western Australia coach Ron Alexander gambled by playing midfielder Brian Peake at full forward, despite his poor form in the WAFL. Victoria coach Kevin Sheedy's refusal to deploy top defenders against Peake backfired, as Peake scored seven goals. The final quarter alone saw seven lead changes and 14 goals, highlighted by Andrew MacNish's spectacular mark and Buckenara's match-winning snap. Wayne Blackwell's heroic smother in the dying minutes sealed the victory, with Sheedy later admitting Victoria was "beaten by a smother." Ross Glendinning, a WA champion, remarked at the time that it was close to a perfect game of football.
The Modern Reboot and Its Challenges
This weekend's reboot in Perth marks the first Victoria vs. WA Origin clash since 1992, with tickets selling out quickly. However, former players have criticised it as a bruise-free exhibition, more akin to WWE theatrics than genuine rivalry. AFL clubs are cautious with their prized players, instructing them to go easy, which may dampen the explosive energy of past encounters. While the league celebrates the sell-out success, many argue that these modern friendlies lack the raw intensity and historical significance of the 1986 showdown. The match will feature dazzling individual moments, but it is unlikely to replicate the foundational shaking excitement of that legendary day.
As fans gather in Perth, the shadow of 1986 serves as a reminder of a bygone era in AFL history, where state pride and unfiltered passion created a spectacle that remains unmatched to this day.
