13 February 2026
With all eyes on Perth this weekend for the blockbuster AFL Origin match, young rising stars had the chance to learn from powerhouse players of the comp.
WA and Victoria players visited Kent Street Senior High School.
WA guns Lawson Humphries, Charlie Cameron, Bradley Hill, Kysaiah Pickett and Shai Bolton were joined by Victorian icons Marcus Bontempelli and Zach Merrett at Kent Street Senior High School, where they addressed students from Clontarf academies across Perth.
Crowd favourites Nick Daicos, Jacob Weitering and Josh Battle visited Rostrata Primary School in Willetton.
The stars at Kent Street shared their wisdom with aspiring players, encouraging the young up-and-comers to make the most of opportunities, follow their dreams and support their peers.
“It’s really understanding what you love, what you love to do and following that passion, and then you work out what the steps are from there,” Bontempelli shared.
Bontempelli also spoke to the older students about mentoring their younger peers and setting an example.
“Be a shining star for young players coming through,” he said.
Humphries said he felt connected in his home state when meeting young people in the community. He encouraged students to give everything in life a go.
“Life will pass you by if you don’t give it a crack,” he said.
“It’s so important to get back on the bike.”
Victorian players reading at Rostrata Primary School.
Kent Street Senior High School principal Kacey Single said everyone at the school was honoured to host the special event ahead of the State of Origin game.
“It is a privilege to bring everyone together as we celebrate not only elite football, but the powerful connections it creates within our community,” she said.
“For our young men, meeting AFL players shows them what commitment, hard work and strong character can achieve.
“These experiences go beyond football. They highlight the value of education, setting goals, respecting culture and giving back to the community.
“Experiences like this help our students believe in themselves and recognise that, with hard work and commitment, they can achieve great things.”
Kent Street Senior High School Clontarf Academy student and keen footy player Kaidon Walters said he was inspired by the visit.
“To get one player is pretty hard, let alone to get seven,” he said.
“To have the boys come in and talk about their careers, it’s really good for us boys, especially us boys that play footy, inspire them and dream to play the same level of footy as them, it’s a really cool experience.”
Fellow student Clint Isaacs agreed, saying he hoped to join the players someday.
Students had the chance to learn from the best in the game.
“I play footy and it is very great to see these footy players up here nice and close and get inspiration. Hopefully I can play with them or play beside them,” he said.
Ronin Shorter, who is also in the Clontarf Academy at Kent Street, said he was looking forward to the historic clash.
“Honestly, I think it was really good to shake some hands with the AFL players. I hope to see a good game Saturday,” he said.
The 2026 AFL Origin match will see Western Australia take on Victoria on Saturday at Optus Stadium.
The star-studded lineup features several public school alumni, including Patrick Cripps, Luke Jackson, Callum Ah Chee, Trent Rivers, Will Powell and Nathan Broad.