Rusted-on West Australian footy fans from the golden age of State v State footy, Eagles and Dockers fans arm in arm, travelling Victorians and thousands of kids donning black swan jumpers.
They all packed in to Optus Stadium for the historic return of State of Origin, almost three decades in the making.
The stadium concourse was already heaving hours before the start of the game, despite 35C conditions mid-afternoon in Perth.
It included a remarkable number of punters in WA’s iconic footy jumper — the gold kit with the famous State emblem.
Fans inside the ground raced to chase autographs as players competed their warm-ups as families — and past players — shared stories of their own Origin experiences.
Young West Coast fans Nick and Jack Reid — both 17 — were sporting new WA jumpers, alongside their cousin and Victorian supporter Lucas Barry.
They said they were most looking forward to watching WA skipper Patrick Cripps.
“I’m bloody stoked. It’s going to be good,” Nick said.
Lucas said he was up for the banter coming his way inside the stadium.
“I’m used to it,” he joked.
Victorian fan Cameron Moneslski was feeling the love. He flew his family over from Melbourne to join his mate Justin Spurling at the game in what he described as a con on his wife.
“Myself and my wife and my kids have come over from Cranbourne in Melbourne,” he said.
“When I saw it was Valentine’s Day, I conned the missus. I texted her and said ‘do you want to go to Perth for Valentine’s Day?’ and she fell hook, line and sinker for it.”
Mr Monelski was at the most recent State of Origin game, between Victoria and South Australia at the MCG in 1999.
“I would have been 19, it was grouse. It pelted down with rain and we beat South Australia,” he said.
“I think it’s great. I’m surprised it’s back, but I think if there’s no injuries today it might stay.
“I think Victoria will win quite easily and I think most West Australians would agree.”
