BULLDOGS’ coach Rodney Eade says that while he supports the revival of state of origin football now being considered by AFL chief Andrew Demetriou, he is disappointed that there has been no mention of Tasmania being involved.

Demetriou is looking at recommendations for next year’s 150th anniversary of Australian football celebrations.

“I think Andrew’s a very good football person and he’ll look deeper into what is a recommendation,” Tasmanian-born Eade said.

“I think over the last five years, NSW have probably had five players drafted.

”When you look at who Tasmania has supplied - and there’s still a good production line of players - I would think even the thought of Tasmania missing out is rather incredulous, to be honest.”

As a concept, Eade is enthusiastic about state of origin’s return, even if it is at the expense of the NAB Cup.

“I think it’s a terrific idea. I’m one coach who would definitely support it. I think it’s got some real merit,” he said.

Meanwhile the Bulldogs welcome back Jordan McMahon (thigh) from injury for this weekend’s MCG meeting with Carlton, and Ryan Griffen also looks likely to play.

“We’ll give him (Griffen) a test on Friday but all the indications are that he’ll play,” Eade said.

However Robert Murphy is unlikely to play.

“With Robert, we will probably err on the side of being conservative. He trains every second day and he’s been training really well. He just has fatigue in his hamstring. He’ll certainly play next week but we may give him another week,” Eade said.

In better news for the club, Chris Grant looks likely to play for Werribee next week, his first game since sustaining a groin injury.

As for who will match up on Carlton star Brendan Fevola, Eade says that Brian Harris will most likely take on the role, despite Dale Morris doing a good job on the full-forward last year.