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Proud West Australian Stephen Coniglio insists there’s a place for State of Origin matches in AFL calendar

Adrian WarrenThe West Australian
VideoSuperstar midfielder Stephen Coniglio is GWS’ new captain for 2020 replacing co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward.

New GWS captain and proud West Australian Stephen Coniglio insists there’s a place in the AFL calendar for annual State of Origin style games and feels they could make the code even bigger.

Coniglio was selected in the All-Stars squad on Tuesday for next week’s bushfire relief game, where he will line up against five of his Giants teammates in the Victorian squad.

He said he was humbled to be chosen, but would love to represent WA in interstate games, which haven’t been part of the AFL calendar for several years.

“I’m not sure why we haven’t explored it yet,” Coniglio said.

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“Yes we do have 22 games plus finals after that, but we can find a spot in there.

“I think it will just add to where AFL is at at the moment, which is right at the top of the tree.

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GWS Giants captain Stephen Coniglio speaks to media during the Greater Western Sydney Giants State of Origin Media Opportunity.
Camera IconGWS Giants captain Stephen Coniglio speaks to media during the Greater Western Sydney Giants State of Origin Media Opportunity. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“It is a jam packed schedule, but whether it be for charities or what not it’s a great spectacle particularly in a pre-season time slot or in the middle of the year during winter.

“It’s definitely something I think is worth pursuing.”

Midfielder Coniglio, who was appointed captain shortly after inking a new seven- year deal, is set to play his first competitive minutes since he suffered an injury last July.

“I’m just in a really good spot mentally and physically at the moment and the knee is the least of my worries,” he said.

Coniglio wasn’t sure if his game time for the All-Stars would be limited by GWS.

Stephen Coniglio of the Giants in action during the 2019 AFL round 15 match between the Essendon Bombers and the GWS Giants.
Camera IconStephen Coniglio of the Giants in action during the 2019 AFL round 15 match between the Essendon Bombers and the GWS Giants. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“I’m not sure if I’m there to give Nat Fyfe the water, or if I’m actually going to be playing in the game,” he quipped.

Meanwhile, the intense speculation last year over his future is set to shift to teammates Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams, who are both coming off contract.

“They’ve just got to come back to what’s important to them, that’s where I found my answer,” Coniglio said.

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