THERE will be no love lost on Valentine's Day as Western Australia hosts Victoria on Saturday, February 14 at Optus Stadium.
The state-based rivalry returns at the elite level for the first time in more than 25 years, having last been played in 1999 when Victoria played South Australia at the MCG.
The very first State of Origin match was played in Perth in 1977 and the last time Western Australia lined up against Victoria was in 1992 when the Big V were victorious, defeating the visitors by 67 points, 23.19 to 13.12.
In 2026, AFL Origin will be delivered with the support of the Western Australia government and showcase the best of the state for fans from all over the country.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said he was thrilled to welcome back one of the great football traditions.
“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 Mr 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.”
Comments attributed to 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.
“Bringing to Perth a rivalry which started in the 1900s and which was defined in the legendary matches of the 1980s is a proud achievement for my government.
“We know Western Australians love their footy and will fill Optus Stadium to see this blockbuster match, as will many interstate tourists.”
Comments attributed to 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 1990s 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.”
Comments attributed to 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.”
The 2026 AFL Origin game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox, as well as 7Plus and Kayo streaming platforms, spotlighting Perth and its world-class sporting facilities to the rest of the nation.
Further match details including tickets, match time, squads and more will be announced in the coming months. All event information will be available at Origin.AFL.
