After more than two decades on the sidelines, AFL Origin is set for a high profile return, with Channel 7 confirming the state based clash will launch the 2026 AFL season.

For the first time in more than 25 years, Victoria will take on Western Australia in an Origin clash, with the revived concept set to play out in front of a sold out crowd at Optus Stadium.

The match marks the first AFL Origin fixture since 1999, when Victoria last faced South Australia at the MCG, bringing one of the game’s most debated traditions back onto the national stage.

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It also marks the first time Victoria and Western Australia have met in an AFL Origin contest since the early 1990s, reigniting a rivalry long absent from the top level.

Seven’s Head of AFL and Innovation Gary O’Keeffe said the network was proud to welcome AFL Origin back to screens, noting the long standing connection to the state based showcase and its place in the game’s history.

“Seven was the host broadcaster for the very first Origin match in 1977 and also the most recent match in 1999, so it feels right for us to continue the tradition and welcome the state-based rivalry to our screens again in 2026.”

Leading the coverage will be Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw calling the action, alongside expert commentary from Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Abbey Holmes.

West Australian favourite Nic Naitanui will also join the broadcast on boundary duties, adding local insight as the state hosts the first AFL match of the new season, with the former Eagle saying he jumped at the chance to be part of the Origin revival.

“I’m pumped to be joining the Seven team as an expert commentator for the return of AFL Origin.”

On the field, Victoria’s side is headlined by Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli and Jeremy Cameron, while Western Australia counters with Patrick Cripps, Chad Warner, Sam Taylor and Jesse Hogan.

Victoria will be captained by Marcus Bontempelli, while Patrick Cripps will lead Western Australia, adding further weight to the return of the state based clash.

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AFL Origin 2026, Western Australia v Victoria, airs live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport on Saturday, 14 February, with coverage from 7.00pm AEDT, 4.00pm AWST, and the match beginning at 7.40pm AEDT.

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