AFL Origin Player Numbers: Bailey and Nick Disappointed by Superstar Snubs
AFL superstars Nick Daicos and Bailey Smith have been notably excluded from their customary player numbers in the upcoming State of Origin match. This event will see Victoria and Western Australia compete at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
AFL Origin Player Numbers: Key Details
The assignment of player numbers for Saturday’s clash takes into account player preferences and seniority within the teams. Unfortunately, this results in changes for several players accustomed to specific numbers.
Changes for Victoria
In the Victorian squad, Nick Daicos will don the No.8 jersey instead of his usual No.35. This adjustment is due to games played, as he stands behind Geelong veteran Patrick Dangerfield in terms of seniority. Similarly, St Kilda’s Jack Sinclair will wear No.2, having been surpassed by Daicos.
- Nick Daicos – No. 8 (previously No. 35)
- Jack Sinclair – No. 2
- Bailey Smith – No. 33 (previously No. 3)
- Max Holmes – No. 14
- Zak Butters – No. 9
Additionally, Caleb Serong claims the No.3 jersey due to having played 127 matches, one more than Smith. There are also unexpected swaps, such as Toby Greene relinquishing his No.4 to Marcus Bontempelli.
Western Australia Squad Adjustments
In the Western Australian lineup, veteran Stephen Coniglio takes precedence, resulting in Liam Baker missing out on the No.3. Others, like Jake Waterman, are also affected by positional assignments.
- Jaeger O’Meara – No. 1
- Luke Jackson – No. 2
- Stephen Coniglio – No. 3
- Chad Warner – No. 5 (previously No. 1)
- Liam Baker – No. 48 (his first AFL number)
- Jake Waterman – No. 45 (his first AFL number)
Upcoming Match Details
The State of Origin match will air live on Kayo Sports, scheduled for 7 PM AEDT on February 14, 2026. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as these two teams face off with their reconfigured rosters.
The adjustments to player numbers draw attention to the competitive nature of the AFL, where seniority and game experience play significant roles in team selections. The changes may disappoint some players, but they also offer opportunities for others in the league.
