The AFL has confirmed one of the most anticipated announcements in recent memory — the return of State of Origin football. For the first time in nearly three decades, fans will once again see the famous state-versus-state format, with Victoria set to take on Western Australia in a blockbuster clash next year.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon revealed that the exhibition game will be staged at Perth Stadium on February 14, marking the revival of a tradition that has been dormant since the 1990s. The contest will reignite a fierce rivalry and give players the chance to proudly wear their state colors in front of thousands of passionate fans.
The last true state-of-origin encounter occurred in 1999, when Victoria defeated South Australia at the MCG. As for a head-to-head between Victoria and Western Australia, fans must go back even further to 1992 to recall their most recent meeting. With more than 30 years since that clash, the buildup to this fixture promises to be immense.
“State football is one of the great traditions of our game, with fans and players alike calling for its return for some time and we are thrilled to see it back,” Dillon said when announcing the decision.
He went on to highlight why State of Origin continues to resonate with players and supporters alike. “Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon years-old rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our very greatest players.”
The news has already generated excitement across the AFL community. Legendary names such as Glen Jakovich, who himself once represented Western Australia at Origin level, were present at the announcement in Perth. Standing alongside Dillon, Jakovich smiled as the AFL confirmed the return of a concept many thought was gone for good.
While fans have had glimpses of similar showcase matches over the years, none have matched the true essence of State of Origin. In 2008, Victoria faced a Dream Team in a one-off match, and in 2020, Victoria went up against an All Stars side in a charity game. Both fixtures drew attention, but they lacked the raw state-versus-state rivalry that Origin delivers.
This year, Perth Stadium also hosted an Indigenous All Stars side against Fremantle, attracting a strong crowd and showing there remains plenty of appetite for unique AFL spectacles beyond the regular season. Dillon has often spoken of his intention to bring back State of Origin and other marquee events, and now, his vision is finally becoming reality.
The return of Origin carries a rich sense of history. For decades, matches between Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia defined eras of football greatness. Players like Gary Ablett Sr., Wayne Carey, and Tony Lockett once pulled on their state jerseys in games that became etched in the memories of supporters. These contests not only delivered high-quality football but also created rivalries that transcended the regular AFL fixture.
The question of player eligibility remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of next year’s match. The AFL confirmed that specific criteria would be released closer to the date, but traditionally, players have been chosen based on the state of their junior football affiliation. This means a player’s roots in the game will determine whether they line up for Victoria or Western Australia, regardless of the AFL club they currently represent.
That structure has historically ensured authenticity and fueled pride, with players determined to showcase their state’s footballing identity. It also sets the stage for teammates at club level to suddenly find themselves on opposite sides, heightening the drama and competitiveness of the contest.
As Dillon outlined, squads will be named closer to match day, allowing anticipation to build as fans speculate which modern stars will don the famous “Big V” or represent Western Australia’s black and gold. Superstars from rival AFL clubs will need to set aside their week-to-week battles to come together under the Origin banner, united by heritage and fueled by state loyalty.
The fixture is more than just an exhibition — it is an attempt to recapture the soul of a tradition that helped shape the AFL as it is known today. For Western Australia, the chance to host Victoria at Perth Stadium provides a symbolic opportunity. Not only will it be the first Origin match in decades, but it also allows WA fans to witness their state’s best go head-to-head against their oldest rival on home soil.
The timing of the match, scheduled as a standalone February showcase, also reflects the AFL’s broader strategy. With pre-season games still weeks away and the season not yet underway, the State of Origin match has room to breathe as a headline event. That timing will also ensure clubs can plan around player availability, reducing concerns over the risk of injuries during the regular campaign.
While some critics may question whether the intensity of past State of Origin encounters can be replicated in the modern era, the AFL believes that the passion for state pride has never truly disappeared. For the players, the honor of wearing their state’s jersey remains an aspiration, and for the fans, the nostalgia combined with the chance to witness history again is enough to guarantee an electric atmosphere.
The return of Origin could also pave the way for further state-based fixtures. If successful, it is possible that South Australia or even Tasmania could find themselves in line for future contests, reigniting the broader interstate rivalries that once lit up Australian rules football.
For now, though, the spotlight is firmly fixed on February 14, 2026. Perth Stadium will be the stage, and the anticipation is already building. For Victoria and Western Australia, it is more than just a game — it is the return of tradition, passion, and pride.
