The AFL has confirmed its State of Origin fixture will be held for at least the next three years following its return earlier this year.
The interstate representative game made a comeback in Perth where Victoria beat Western Australia by 24 points.
Zach Merrett of Victoria kicks during the 2026 AFL Origin match between Western Australia and Victoria at Optus Stadium. AFL Photos via Getty Images
On Monday morning, the AFL confirmed the game has been locked in for 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The game will return to Perth’s Optus Stadium next year as WA hosts South Australia; in 2028 South Australia will host Victoria at the Adelaide Ova; and in 2029 the game will go back to Perth for a third time in four years as WA hosts Victoria again.
Curiously, none of the games will be played in Victoria or at the game’s premier venue, the MCG.
New South Wales and Queensland are also snubbed from the showpiece event despite having multiple AFL teams.
“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,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said.
“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.
“I would like to thank (WA) premier Roger Cook and the Western Australian government for their support in delivering this exciting event for our code in 2027 and 2029, and to (SA) premier Peter Malinauskas and the South Australian government for their ongoing partnership and bringing elite-level state footy back to Adelaide in 2028.”