AFL Star Jacob Weitering Taken Off in Shocking Origin Collision
Jacob Weitering’s Saturday night was cut short in a dramatic moment during the AAMI AFL Origin clash at Optus Stadium, leaving fans and teammates shaken. The Carlton defender was forced from the field on a stretcher after a heavy collision in the first quarter, a stark reminder of the intensity and physical toll of top-level AFL football.
The match itself marked a historic return for State of Origin, with Western Australia facing Victoria for the first time since 1992. While the Sandgropers ultimately fell short by 24 points, the energy in the stadium was electric. A sell-out crowd of over 58,000 witnessed the rebirth of a concept many players and coaches had long championed, proving that Perth is more than capable of hosting this showcase annually.
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Dean Cox, leading Western Australia as coach, made it clear that Origin football has a permanent place in the AFL calendar. He praised the fans, the WA government and the players’ commitment, highlighting how the event offers a rare opportunity for elite players to test themselves against top opponents in a state context. Jesse Hogan, awarded the Graham Moss Medal for his five-goal haul, echoed those sentiments, pointing to the excitement and unique atmosphere that only Origin matches can deliver.
However, the evening wasn’t without its setbacks. Weitering’s injury underscored the risks involved in high-intensity football, alongside other precautionary withdrawals including GWS’s Sam Taylor, Port Adelaide’s Mitch Georgiades and Adelaide recruit Callum Ah Chee, all sidelined due to hamstring concerns. Cox emphasized caution, noting that with the AFL season on the horizon, managing player health is paramount. The decision to bench these stars reflects a broader tension in the league between showcasing elite talent and protecting athletes from early-season injuries.
For the AFL community, Weitering’s incident serves as a reminder of the physical stakes at play in professional sport, particularly in an exhibition format like Origin where rivalries are fierce and intensity is high from the opening bounce. It also spotlights the growing momentum behind reintroducing state-based clashes, which fans and players alike hope will become a regular highlight on the AFL calendar.
As the league evaluates the season ahead, questions linger about player management and how to balance showpiece events with long-term health. But one thing is clear: the excitement generated in Perth has reinforced that State of Origin can captivate audiences while offering players a unique stage to shine.
Stay with us as we continue to track Jacob Weitering’s recovery, monitor any updates on other key injuries and cover all the unfolding stories from the 2026 AFL season. The landscape of Australian football is evolving and you won’t want to miss a moment of it.
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