Perth will host the first AFL Origin match in over a quarter of a century when Victoria plays Western Australia on Valentine’s Day.
It’s a startling fact that AFL Origin has not been played this century – the last time the interstate contest took place was back in 1999, when Victoria played (and beat) South Australia at the MCG. This preseason game at Optus Stadium in Perth is, then, nothing short of historic.
The best of Western Australia will take on their Victorian counterparts on Valentine’s Day, though there is likely to be little love lost in this renewal of hostilities between the two hotbeds of AFL talent. And, of course, some of the AFL’s elite players will be involved. Among the other announced players are Matt Rowell and Zak Butters for Victoria, and Aaron Naughton and Shai Bolton for WA. Expect more player announcements in the coming weeks.
Though it’s been a long time between matches, interstate AFL contests have a rich history, with “intercolonial” matches taking place during the 19th century. State games were governed by “state of origin” rules from 1977, with the 1980s arguably being the concept’s heyday – indeed, a match at the MCG in 1989 attracted 91,000 people.
With its triumphant return – both to Perth and to Australian sport in general – the AAMI AFL is definitely one not to miss. Consider this a special occasion for the city, and one of the most intriguing dates on the WA sporting calendar for 2026.
Limited tickets are available, ranging from $35 to $85, which you can purchase through Ticketmaster.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism WA.