THE AFL has today unveiled the first wave of stars that will represent Western Australia and Victoria for the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match, with Brownlow medallists, All-Australians and premiership players to pull on the 'Black Swan' and 'Big V' in the highly anticipated return of Australian Rules elite level representative football.
Taking place on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at Perth's Optus Stadium, two-time Brownlow medallist and four-time All-Australian Patrick Cripps headlines the first group of players announced to represent their home state of WA. Joining him are two-time Premiership player and 2022 All-Australian Shai Bolton, 2018 Premiership player Tom Barrass and three-time Western Bulldogs leading goal kicker Aaron Naughton, with the latter pair poised to play pivotal roles for WA at either end of the ground.
The Victoria engine room will be headlined by some of the game's best midfielders, with seven-time All-Australian and six-time Western Bulldogs Club Champion Marcus Bontempelli, 2025 Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell and two-time All Australian Zak Butters leading the charge.
In a tantalising prospect for the Big V, five time All-Australian and 2022 Premiership player Jeremy Cameron will spearhead their forward half.
Western Australian AAMI AFL Origin Coach Dean Cox said:
"I am thrilled to have an incredible calibre of players committing to the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin and announce the first wave of players for WA for the exciting return of Origin football," Cox said.
"With some of the best players available including a dual Brownlow medallist, premiership stars and All-Australians, the excitement and anticipation is really starting to build for the match.
"There's more top players to be announced in the squad in the coming weeks and I know the Western Australian players are extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent their state and play in the return of Origin and take it up to the Vics."
Victorian AAMI AFL Origin Coach Chris Scott said:
"After sitting down with Garry Lyon, it was quickly apparent there's a phenomenal talent pool to pick from and it's fantastic to have Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy commit to the Vics," Scott said.
"Marcus, Matt, Zak and Jeremy are elite players in their own right and embody what is great about our game and what Origin football represents and as we edge closer to the game, there's a real sense of anticipation building.
"I know I speak for all the boys when I say there's enormous pride and excitement about pulling on the Big V and representing our state."
Patrick Cripps said: "It's a huge honour to be chosen to represent WA. There's a real excitement around the return of the match and I can't wait to play alongside Shai, Tom, Aaron and other WA stars come February."
Marcus Bontempelli said: "Growing up in Victoria, you always dream of representing your state alongside the best players in the game, so to now get the chance again is pretty special. I can't wait to run out there and represent the Big V."
Further players for both Victoria and Western Australia will be announced next week, with tickets on sale from Tuesday, 18 November for AFL and Club members at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT via Ticketmaster, followed by General Public access on Wednesday, 19 November at 9.00am AWST/12.00pm AEDT.
Profits from general public ticket sales will be reinvested back into Western Australian community football pathways as part of the AFL and WA Government's commitment to growing the game and making it accessible to all.
The AFL is also pleased to confirm Macca's will support the event, as Major Partner for both Team Western Australia and Team Victoria for the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin.
Mary Vrancic Senior Marketing Director for McDonald’s said:
"We are thrilled to be the Major Partner for both Team Western Australia and Team Victoria at the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin. This is one of the most anticipated events on the footy calendar, and we can't wait to help bring fans together for an unforgettable experience in Perth.
"At Macca's, we love celebrating the big moments that unite communities, and this Origin clash is set to be one of the biggest yet."
In 2026, AAMI AFL Origin will be delivered with the support of the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA, and showcase the best of the state to fans all over the country. The 2026 AAMI 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.
The match will begin at 4.40pm AWST / 7.40pm AEDT.
For more information head to Origin.AFL.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Tom Barrass
AFL Club: Hawthorn
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: Scarborough
Shai Bolton
AFL Club: Fremantle
State League Club: South Fremantle
Community Club: Forrestdale
Patrick Cripps
AFL Club: Carlton
State League Club: East Fremantle
Community Club: Northampton
Aaron Naughton
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
State League Club: Peel Thunder
Community Club: Rockingham
VICTORIAN SQUAD
Marcus Bontempelli
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
State League Club: Northern Knights
Community Club: Eltham
Zak Butters
AFL Club: Port Adelaide
State League Club: Western Jets
Community Club: Darley
Jeremy Cameron
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
State League Club: GWV (formerly North Ballarat)
Community Club: Dartmoor
Matt Rowell
AFL Club: Gold Coast Suns
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Canterbury
Official Accommodation Partner ALL Accor offers fans access to a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets with 12 hotels and apartments across Perth. Travelling fans can choose from brands like Art Series, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, and ibis. Visit ALL.com to book, plus unlock a special member rate by joining Accor's loyalty program, ALL Accor, for free.
As the Official Airline Partner of the AFL, Virgin Australia is focused on offering value and choice for footy fans travelling to the event. To book your flight to 2026 AAMI AFL Origin, visit www.virginaustralia.com
