AFL State of Origin Returns: WA to Host Victoria at Sold-Out Optus Stadium

AFL Origin is back. And it is sold out.

The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match — Western Australia versus Victoria — will take place at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14. Every single ticket is gone. 60,000 seats, full house, done.

WA’s first state representative match since 1998. Victoria’s first since 2020. The concept has been revived and shelved multiple times over the decades, but this time the AFL is betting big that state pride still moves the needle. Based on ticket demand, they are right.

Coaching Appointments

Chris Scott, two-time Geelong premiership coach, leads Victoria. Dean Cox — a West Australian, one of the Eagles’ greatest ever ruckmen, now coaching at Sydney — takes charge of WA.

“Growing up in the west, playing for your state was the ultimate honour outside of a grand final,” Cox said. “I know the WA boys in the AFL system feel exactly the same way. Optus Stadium on a Saturday afternoon in front of a full house — it does not get much better than that.”

What to Expect

The best WA-born and Victorian-born players from across all 18 AFL clubs. Early squad announcements have already sparked fierce debate in both states — form, fitness, positional balance, all under the microscope.

First bounce: 4:40 pm local time (7:40 pm AEDT). Live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, 7Plus, and Kayo. The AFL has organised a full day of curtain-raiser events and entertainment leading into the main event.

Long-Term Implications

Sources indicate the AFL views this as a potential annual fixture if the 2026 edition delivers. South Australia, Tasmania, and a combined interstate team are all on the table for future editions.

But right now the focus is Perth. Two proud football states. The oldest argument in the game. Saturday afternoon, Optus Stadium.

Stay tuned to Australia Football for full match coverage, team announcements, and post-game analysis.

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LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com