AFL backflips on State of Origin rule for Demons star

Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett has been granted permission by the AFL to represent Western Australia in February's State of Origin game, despite the decision going against the eligibility parameters established only a few months ago.

State of Origin will make its AFL return in 2026 for the first time since 1999, with WA hosting Victoria at Optus Stadium on Valentine's Day.

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, Fremantle star Shai Bolton, Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass, Western Bulldogs key forward Aaron Naughton and Sydney midfielder Chad Warner have all already been announced for the West Australian team.

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Sydney's Dean Cox will coach the side, while West Coast great Glen Jakovich serves as chairman of selectors. 

The AFL's criteria states that eligibility is determined by the junior club the player was drafted from.

Take Port Adelaide star midfielder Zak Butters as an example. He was drafted out of the Western Jets in Melbourne and therefore will line up for Victoria.

Pickett meanwhile was drafted out of the Woodville West Torrens in South Australia, despite being raised predominantly in Quairading, Western Australia.

9News Perth reporter Paddy Sweeney revealed that the 24-year-old petitioned the AFL to represent WA rather than SA.

"He's very happy about it," Sweeney told 9News Perth.

"The AFL has given the Melbourne superstar the green light to pull on the black and gold, with Pickett identifying as a West Australian and a proud Noongar man.

"The 24-year-old requested the league to allow him a special privilege due to his close W.A ties.

"Pickett spent the majority of his childhood in Quairading in W.A's wheat belt and returns every year to see his mother.

"No doubt he is a massive inclusion for W.A."

Sweeney also confirmed that more than 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the game in February. Optus Stadium holds a capacity of 61,000.

Pickett flirted with requesting a trade to Western Australia across 2024 and 2025, with reports he was even texting Fremantle players about his desire to move to the club.

However, he ultimately recommit to Melbourne on a deal reportedly worth $12m and stretching through to the end of 2034.

The Demons also drafted his cousin Latrelle Pickett in the 2025 national draft at pick 12. Kysaiah was there to present him with his jumper.

Pickett was named to the 2025 All-Australian team after a stellar season, kicking 40 goals and emerging as a genuine midfield option for the Dees.

He is a huge in for a West Australian team that will need all the firepower it can get up against what will be a Victorian juggernaut. 

Stars likely in the mix to join the existing W.A batch likely include GWS key defender Sam Taylor, Fremantle All-Australian Jordan Clark, West Coast midfielder Liam Baker and 2024 Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan. 

On the flip side, Pickett is a huge loss for the South Australian team, which will presumably feature in 2027, assuming the event takes place annually.