Fremantle president Dale Alcock gives Origin footy the green light

Fremantle Dockers president Dale Alcock has thrown his support behind a return of State of Origin football but says it would need the support of AFL players if it were to go ahead.

The comments come as Premier Mark McGowan continues to lobby the AFL to consider a return of State of Origin and argues the first interstate match should be played at Optus Stadium.

Mr Alcock, below, said he thought State of Origin was “fantastic” but told the Premier any decision on a new competition needed to be led by the AFL and its players.

“It has to get supported at the AFL level — that’s where the lobbying has to centre,” Mr Alcock said last night on Flashpoint.

“I’d be supportive of it and really what we have to do is get a gauge from the players. They have to support it for it to be successful.”

Mr McGowan, who together with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been fighting for a return of State of Origin, said he would love for the Fremantle boss to join his campaign.

“I reckon it would be so well received,” he said. “

“Every sport — even one as popular as football — needs to constantly reinvent itself and this could do it.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is among those backing State of Origin’s return.

While Mr Andrews is in support of re-establishing it, he is at loggerheads with Mr McGowan over the venue for any future WA versus Victoria match.

Mr Andrews insists any future interstate clash should be held at the MCG.

The AFL says it is currently assessing the idea of a future State of Origin match.

A return of the concept was raised at a recent meeting of club officials, but it only received lukewarm interest from club bosses.