The AFL confirm the return of State of Origin

The AFL has officially confirmed the return of State of Origin, with WA set to face off against Victoria in 2026.

As confirmed on Monday morning, WA will host the 'Big V' at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14, the first State of Origin game since May, 1999.

"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," said AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.

"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.

"I would like to thank Premier Roger Cook and the WA Government for their support in delivering this exciting event for our code.

"It will be a special moment to see a Big V and a Sandgroper jumper back on the field before we start our 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season."

It has been 26 years since we last saw an official State of Origin match played between South Australia and Victoria at the MCG, but now footy fans can once again get excited by their state represented at the AFL level.

The concept has momentum throughout the year, with AFLPA President Darcy Moore noting on SEN’s Crunch Time that discussions had been taking place amongst key officials back in July.

That will make it the second representative game that Perth has held, having hosted the Indigenous All-Stars match in February.