Champion Cat, Patrick Dangerfield will add another accolade to his extraordinary footballing resume, with the Geelong captain named in Victoria's team for the 2026 AFL Origin match. 

Dangerfield was announced as one of the latest additions to the Victorian squad, set to feature alongside Cats teammates Jeremy Cameron, Max Holmes and Tom Stewart at Optus Stadium in February. 

No stranger to the 'Big V,' the superstar also represented Victoria in the 2020 State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match, kicking a goal and was named among the best players as the Victorians defeated the All-Stars at Marvel Stadium. 

It adds to an incredible career that includes a premiership, a Brownlow Medal, eight All-Australian blazers and three Carji Greeves Medals, with Dangerfield finishing the 2025 season on 360 AFL games, the 15th most of any player in the history of the game.  

Dangerfield said: “Growing up I dreamt of playing footy, winning premierships and representing Victoria, so when Chris gave me a call to be a part of the return of Origin, I jumped at the opportunity to finally pull on the Big V.

“Garry, Chris and the wider coaching team are pulling together a great squad that epitomises what Victorian football is all about, we have a great mix of experience and youth, and no doubt everyone involved is looking forward seeing the Big V and Black Swan return in Perth next year.”

Dangerfield continued to have a significant impact in his 18th AFL season, making the shift to a more permanent forward role and kicking 30 goals from 23 games. 

He put together a number of game-changing performances, like a four-goal display against Adelaide in Gather Round and a dominant showing against Collingwood in Round 8. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

But perhaps Dangerfield's best game for the year came in the Preliminary Final, when he recorded 31 disposals and three goals to help the Cats overcome Hawthorn and move through to another Grand Final. 

Geelong's skipper will line up alongside some of his Cats teammates in the 'Big V,' but will also face Lawson Humphries on the opposing side after the young Cat was announced in Western Australia's latest additions to the squad. 

AFL Origin will return on Saturday February 14, with Victoria set to take on Western Australia at Optus Stadium from 4.40pm local time and 7.40pm AEDT. Tickets are on sale now for fans looking to head West for the match.