Get ready for a thrilling return of AFL Origin footy! After a 27-year hiatus, Western Australia is set to host Victoria in Perth, and we've got all the details you need to know.
The Battle for State Pride
The AFL Origin match, a rare treat for footy fans, is back with a bang! Western Australia and Victoria, two states with a rich footy history, will face off in a highly anticipated showdown. But here's where it gets controversial... the last time these two states met in an Origin match, Victoria dominated, winning by a massive 67 points. Will history repeat itself, or will Western Australia pull off an upset?
A Long-Awaited Reunion
It's been 27 years since the last official AFL Origin match, and the anticipation is palpable. The match, scheduled for February 14th, 2026, at Optus Stadium in Perth, is officially sold out. Fans are eager to witness this historic clash, with the stadium expected to be packed to the rafters.
How to Catch the Action
For those unable to attend in person, the match will be broadcast live in 4K Ultra HD on Fox Footy via Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Fox Footy has assembled an all-star commentary team, including play-by-play commentators Anthony Hudson and Adam Papalia, and special commentators Jonathan Brown and Jason Dunstall.
A Sunny Affair
The weather forecast for Perth on match day is looking sunny, with a top temperature of 33 degrees. However, there's a slight chance of showers in the afternoon and evening, so keep an eye on the skies!
The Last Origin Match: A Blast from the Past
The last AFL Origin match was played in May 1999, with Victoria hosting South Australia at the MCG. In wet conditions, Victoria emerged victorious, winning by 54 points. But why did Origin disappear for so long? The answer lies in the changing landscape of the AFL competition, which became more national with the addition of teams from Western Australia and South Australia. Interest in Origin waned, and with player availability becoming an issue, the tradition was put on hold.
A Brief Return: Victoria's One-Off Matches
Victoria has made a couple of appearances this century in one-off matches. In 2008, they took on a 'Dream Team' as part of Australian Football's 150th anniversary celebrations, with Brendan Fevola and Lance Franklin stealing the show. Then, in 2020, before the Covid pandemic, Victoria played an All-Stars team in a State of Origin Bushfire Relief match, raising funds for disaster relief.
The Return of Origin: A Fan-Driven Decision
The AFL's decision to bring back Origin in 2026 was influenced by fan demand. League chief executive Andrew Dillon stated, "Both fans and players have been calling for its return for some time, and we are thrilled to see it back." The success of the 2025 Indigenous All-Stars clash at Optus Stadium also played a role in the decision to reintroduce Origin in Perth.
Team Selections and Jumper Numbers
The 2026 AFL Origin match will see Western Australia take on Victoria. The coaches are Dean Cox (Western Australia) and Chris Scott (Victoria), while the captains are Patrick Cripps (Western Australia) and Marcus Bontempelli (Victoria). These star players are joined by a host of other talents, representing their home states.
The Banter Begins
As the match approaches, the banter between players has started to heat up. Victoria defender Jacob Weitering has vowed to keep his Carlton teammate Patrick Cripps from scoring any goals, should he be sent forward. Meanwhile, WA ruck Darcy Cameron has warned his Collingwood teammate Nick Daicos to watch his lip, or he might not see the ball for the rest of the year!
Team Line-Ups and Strategies
Western Australia has a well-stocked backline, with key-position defenders like Tom Barrass, Sam Taylor, and Rory Lobb. They also have speedy players like Jordan Clark and Bradley Hill, who will look to use their leg speed to their advantage. The forward line is a mix of craft and skill, with Shai Bolton, Kysaiah Pickett, and Charlie Cameron posing a threat to Victoria.
Victoria's midfield is an absolute powerhouse, with stars like Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and Matthew Rowell. The team also has versatile players like Tom Stewart and Josh Battle, who can adapt to different roles. With Jeremy Cameron out due to injury, all eyes will be on Sam Darcy, a highly hyped key forward who has shown impressive form in recent simulations.
The Medals and Trophy
The Graham Moss Medal will be awarded to the best player on the ground for Western Australia, with the medal presented by Graham Moss himself, a WA footy great and Brownlow Medallist. The EJ Whitten Medal will go to Victoria's best player, with the medal presented by Ted Whitten Jnr, the son of Bulldogs legend EJ Whitten.
The winning team will be awarded the Graham 'Polly' Farmer Cup, a perpetual trophy contested between Victoria and Western Australia. The trophy will be presented by Kim Farmer, the daughter of Australian Football Hall of Fame legend Polly Farmer.
Predictions and Odds
Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson predicts a Victoria win by 18 points, citing their strong midfield depth. The odds for the match reflect this prediction, with Victoria favored to win. For the individual medals, Shai Bolton is predicted to take out the Graham Moss Medal, while Nick Daicos is favored for the EJ Whitten Medal.
So, who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated AFL Origin match? Will Western Australia pull off an upset, or will Victoria dominate once again? Make sure to tune in and find out! And don't forget to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
