Perth AFL fans will be delighted by the news that has just been announced: AFL Origin will return on Saturday, February 14 2026, with a clash between Western Australia and Victoria at Optus Stadium.
This blockbuster match marks the first official Origin fixture since 1999 and the first time since 1998 that Western Australian players will wear the iconic black swan in front of a home crowd, having last played against South Australia at Subiaco Oval.
Quick facts
- Match: AFL Origin — WA vs Victoria
- Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
- When: Saturday, February 14 2026
- Tickets: On-sale date to be announced
- Last Origin Match: 1999 (South Australia vs Victoria)
- Last WA Origin Appearance: 1998
A rivalry reignited
When someone says “State of Origin”, three things usually come to mind: the Blues, the Maroons… and “wouldn’t it be great if the AFL brought Origin back?”
Now, more than 26 years since the last AFL Origin match, that dream is becoming reality. For those who remember the golden days of the ‘80s, when over 90,000 fans packed the MCG to see states go head-to-head, these games, just like NRL State of Origin, meant something and were played in the true spirit of the game.
Things to do in Perth
Whether the 2026 edition will pack the same punch is yet to be seen — but at least for the moment, everyone seems excited about the prospect.
“For the first time this century, Western Australian footy fans will be able to watch our State’s best players don the black swan and take on the Victorians,” said Premier Roger Cook.
“It’s a proud achievement for my government to bring back a rivalry that defined footy for generations.”
One-off match
This isn’t like a State of Origin series — the Perth match will be the only AFL Origin game played in 2026, once again putting Perth and Optus Stadium centre stage in the national spotlight.
“Perth is making history by securing the return of AFL Origin,” said Tourism Minister Reece Whitby.
“It hasn’t taken place in Australia since 1999. This is a huge win for our state, and we’re confident it will inject millions into the economy and boost our national profile.”
The single-game format certainly adds to the occasion’s prestige — but it also raises the question: is this just a nostalgia trip or the start of something bigger? That likely depends on the success of ticket sales, player participation, and how well the spectacle resonates with fans nationwide.
The NRL’s State of Origin didn’t start as a phenomenon; it became one. And now it’s one of Australia’s biggest annual sporting events, something the AFL would love to see with its own Origin.
Who will play for WA & Victoria?
As the match has just been announced, player lists haven’t been finalised, let alone players announcing their intentions. However, that won’t stop fans and the media from speculating about what the lineups should be.
Adding more questions is the timing of Origin; with the match set for pre-season, will clubs be happy for their big-name players to suit up for a showcase game, instead of following their strict pre-season plan? While fans would love to see all the big names take to Optus Stadium for the spectacle, fans and clubs would hate to see their marquee player get injured. Especially when you consider the game might be played at night after a standard 40-degree summer’s day in Perth.
Because of this, we can assume WA and VIC won’t roll out what many would consider their best possible state lineups, filled with big-name superstars in every position. Instead, we will have a number of elite players, with a likely mix of rising stars to fill the teams.
