SOUTH Australia will return to Origin footy for the first time in 28 years, with the AFL confirming the next three years of AAMI AFL Origin fixtures, which will be shared between Perth and Adelaide as hosts.

SA will travel to Optus Stadium on Perth to take on Western Australia in February next year, before hosting bitter rival Victoria at what is sure to be a heaving Adelaide Oval in early 2028.

Then, in 2029, Victoria will return to Optus Stadium to take on WA in a rematch of this year's AAMI AFL Origin game. 

The AFL has not ruled out an Origin match at the MCG from 2030 onward involving the 'Big V', while the Indigenous All-Stars are set to feature again within the next three years after reigniting representative football in 2025. 

"Victorians love their representative footy as well. What we wanted to do first of all was give everyone the opportunity," Dillon told AFL.com.au on Monday. 

"This year was the concept that proved it, and then we'll run through the three traditional footy states of Victoria, WA and SA playing each other in that three-year period. 

"Then who knows where we end up from 2030. We're starting to see more talent coming out of New South Wales and Queensland as well. But at the moment, I think we've just got the right mix."

A stacked South Australian side that could feature stars such as Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Lachie Neale, Jordan Dawson, Jason Horne-Francis and Brodie Grundy will pull on the famous red jumper in what will be the state's first Origin appearance since 1999.

State v state representative footy made a successful return in February this year after a 27-year absence when Victoria defeated Western Australia by 24 points in the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin clash in front of 58,141 fans packed into Optus Stadium. 

"State football is one of the great traditions of our game, and we are pleased to see it continue in 2027 and beyond after the huge success of its return earlier this year which saw more than 58,000 people fill Optus Stadium in Perth," said Mr Dillon.

"Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon decades of rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our greatest players.

"Locking in the structure for the next three years provides fans, clubs, players and stakeholders certainty on Origin, allowing them to embrace the state rivalry and celebrate our great game.

Glen Jakovich will remain WA's chairman of selectors for the 2027 game, with Victorian counterpart Garry Lyon also staying on in his role for when Victoria resumes in 2028. 

Jakovich said it was right that WA hosted three of the first four Origin games since its return this year, with the WA and Victoria players proving representative football at the elite level deserved its place on the calendar. 

"The opportunity to wear the jumper is an utmost privilege and something that we try and instil with our young kids that are coming through," Jakovich said. 

"It was a successful night, February 14th, although we didn't get the result. We were bitterly disappointed, but we left it all out there … and no-one took a backward step. 

"They said it was going to be circle work and bruise free footy. Well, if you had seen what transpired, it was two states, mate versus mate … and they didn't hold back. So it gives us a great opportunity."

2027-29 AAMI AFL Origin fixtures

2027 - Western Australia v South Australia at Optus Stadium
2028 - South Australia v Victoria at Adelaide Oval
2029 - Western Australia v Victoria at Optus Stadium