![\"Jesse](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e2d85747b49ecdd352b9850a4e45425f53814a78.jpg\")
Camera IconJesse Hogan claimed the Graham Moss Medal as WA\u2019s best player. Credit: Daniel Carson\/AFL Photos<\/p>\nWest Australians got behind AFL Origin in astonishing numbers, with more than double the amount of Sandgropers tuning in to the return of the fierce state against state rivalry than an average home and away game last year.<\/p>\n
The highly-anticipated sold-out clash at Optus Stadium reached a whopping 367,000 West Australians across Seven and 7Plus Sport on Saturday, with a total TV audience of 173,000 tuning in.<\/p>\n
That figure was 132 per cent higher than last year\u2019s regular season average and 29 per cent higher than the finals average, as some of the game\u2019s biggest names took to the field to represent Western Australia and Victoria for the first time in decades.<\/p>\n
More than 43,000 viewers streamed the game on 7Plus Sport, up an astronomical 682 per cent on the season average in 2025.<\/p>\n
It was the highest streaming audience in WA for a match other than last year\u2019s AFL grand final.<\/p>\n
Greater Western Sydney defender Lachie Ash claimed the best afield honours for Victoria, while Giants teammate Jesse Hogan was named WA\u2019s best with five goals to send the parochial 58,141-strong crowd into raptures.<\/p>\n
\u201cAFL Origin\u2019s return was extraordinary and a proud moment for Western Australia,\u201d Seven West Media WA Chief Executive Officer, Maryna Fewster, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBig sporting moments like this unite our community in a way few things can – and across Seven, The West Australian, PerthNow and Triple M, our teams worked together to bring that pride and passion to audiences right across the country.<\/p>\n
Camera IconJesse Hogan claimed the Graham Moss Medal as WA\u2019s best player. Credit: Daniel Carson\/AFL Photos<\/p>\n
\u201cIt demonstrates the strength of our platforms and our deep connection to WA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Almost two million people nationally tuned into Seven, 7mate and 7plus on Saturday, as the Vics prevailed by 24 points, with an average audience of 843,000, outperforming last year\u2019s regular season by 51 per cent.<\/p>\n
The star-studded commentary line-up included Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw calling the action, with expert analysis from Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Abbey Holmes, while 7News Perth\u2019s Ryan Daniels and West Coast great Nic Naitanui featured on the boundary.<\/p>\n
Seven\u2019s coverage began with a special live broadcast of Origin Countdown on Thursday, featuring Victorian superstar Nick Daicos, West Coast gun Harley Reid and Eagles great Ben Cousins to kick-start the festivities.<\/p>\n
Following the overwhelming success of AFL Origin\u2019s return, Victoria and WA players will now return to their respective clubs to continue pre-season preparations with just over two weeks to go until Opening Round.<\/p>\n
Fresh off coaching WA, Dean Cox\u2019s Sydney Swans will host Carlton in a blockbuster clash at the SCGon Thursday, March 5, with new recruit Charlie Curnow to face his former side for the first time.<\/p>\n
The 2026 AFL season will be live and free on Seven and 7Plus.<\/p>\n
Get a FREE WA AAMI AFL Origin Guernsey worth RRP $130 when you sign up for a 12-month subscription to thewest.com.au<\/p>\n
Subscribe now from just $6 per week. T&Cs apply, limited time only.<\/p>\n