Nick Daicos joins training with a heavily strapped left calf, creating a potential concern for Victoria ahead of kickoff.

The State of Origin clash takes place at Optus Stadium in Perth before a sold-out crowd, with first bounce at 7:40pm AEDT, and the 2026 AFL season begins on March 5.

Jeremy Cameron is ruled out of the AFL Origin clash with Victoria due to ongoing recovery from a broken arm suffered in Geelong’s Grand Final defeat.

With Cameron sidelined, Victoria selects Ben King to replace him in the Origin squad ahead of Saturday’s match against Western Australia.

Victoria’s forward line is set to feature Sam Darcy, Toby Green, Jack Gunston, and likely Patrick Dangerfield, with Bailey Smith, Caleb Serong, and Matt Rowell providing midfield support in the 25-man squad.

Ben King has a strong track record at Optus Stadium, highlighted by six goals in last year’s round-one win for Gold Coast at the venue.

Ben King is poised to take Cameron’s spot for Western Australia, following a career-best 71 goals in 25 games for Gold Coast last season.

Victoria lands a major addition up front as Ben King joins the lineup as their primary target inside 50, while Gold Coast stars like Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Sam Collins help anchor the side, and Wil Powell lines up for Western Australia.

Both Victoria and Western Australia will converge in Perth with main training set for Thursday ahead of the big Origin clash.

Cameron withdraws from the Victorian squad to focus on regaining full contact after offseason surgery, leaving his arm healing and his readiness short of the required intensity.

Victoria open as $1.38 favourites to win, with Western Australia listed as a $3 upset chance by TABTouch.