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Swans want a say in State of Origin match

3 minute read

Sydney have backed an AFL State of Origin match in aid of the bushfire victims, but the club want a say on who is allowed play.

Sydney head of football Charlie Gardner says the Swans support a charity State of Origin match, but AFL clubs must have a say on who is allowed play.

Reports suggest a charity match between Victoria and the All-Stars could be held at Marvel Stadium on February 28 to raise money for the victims of the Australian bushfires.

The last State of Origin match was played in 1999, when Victoria hammered South Australia by 54 points at the MCG.

Gardner says it is a great initiative, but says there is a risk of injury to star players.

"As a footy club we fully support a proposal to put on a one-off state of origin game to raise much-needed funds for the bushfire relief," Gardner told SEN.

"The tension for clubs is the risk of injury to star players. Personally, I'm in favour of it. I think it's a great spectacle for the game and a great advertisement for the competition.

"I think the balancing act is if it is at the start of the year, making sure the clubs have a say in player availability and their preparation and who is at a stage in their preparation where they can play and that would be the tension in the whole discussion."