- Perth set to host Australian-exclusive return of AFL Origin in 2026
- Western Australian players to face off against Victorian counterparts
- Iconic match expected to draw thousands of visitors to WA and inject millions into the visitor economy
- Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA
Perth has scored another historic Australian-exclusive event, with AFL Origin to return after 26 years on Saturday,14 February 2026 at Optus Stadium.
Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, the groundbreaking match will feature a top-tier team of WA AFL players, who will face off against their Victorian opponents.
The pre-season Valentine's Day match between WA and Victoria is expected to draw thousands of out-of-state visitors to WA.
Next year's match will also be the only AFL Origin fixture to take place in 2026 and the first interstate showdown since 1999, when South Australia and Victoria went head-to-head.
Originating in 1977, previous State of Origin matches proved hugely popular, with an attendance peak of over 91,000 fans at the MCG in 1989.
The 2026 AFL Origin game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox, and streamed on 7Plus and Kayo, spotlighting Perth and its world-class sporting facilities to the rest of the nation.
AFL Origin is another example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to attract a year-round events calendar to drive out-of-state visitation and generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and industry.
The match comes in addition to the two home games North Melbourne will play in Perth and Bunbury in 2026, as part of the Cook Government's growing partnership with the AFL.
Find out more at afl.com.au
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"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.
"It's a proud achievement for my government to bring to Perth a rivalry which started in the 1900s and was defined in the legendary matches of the 1980s.
"We know Western Australians love their footy and will fill Optus Stadium to see this blockbuster match, as will many interstate tourists."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Western Australia's best talent on display at Optus Stadium and I know many West Australians will enjoy watching WA players at their best."
"I enjoyed watching State of Origin in the 80s and 90s and I want a new generation to love the game like I did.
"Events like this will draw huge crowds from all over the State and country and help boost our economy while also inspiring the next generation of athletes.
"This match will also provide a boost to our local communities with money being funded back into grassroots football so our government can continue to ensure we have the best facilities and infrastructure for everyone to access."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Perth is making history by securing the return of AFL Origin, which hasn't taken place in Australia since 1999.
"The Cook Government is committed to our economic diversification strategy - we're incredibly proud to secure such an exclusive match and we're confident it will have a positive impact on the State, drawing thousands of fans from across Australia, boosting our tourism and hospitality businesses, and injecting millions of dollars in visitor spend into our State's economy.
"Hosting an iconic match like this also boosts WA's reputation as a world-class host of sporting events, putting the State in a position to attract bigger and better events every year, and giving visitors a time-specific reason to visit the State and extend their stay.
"Origin footy has a long and storied history, so to all the Victorians and footy fans across the country, I urge you to travel west and witness this classic game."
