The State of Origin competition made its long-awaited return as a competitive fixture after a 27-year absence when a star-studded Victoria lineup led Western Australia at every change to win by 24 points in front of a sellout crowd of 58,000 at Perth's Optus Stadium.
Despite initial scepticism about how seriously the competition's best players would take the game during the pre-season window given the risk of injury so close to the start of the home and away season, players from both sides were praised for their high intensity on the park and for buying into the concept wholeheartedly.
The 2026 return was deemed an all-round success by leading players, coaches and the AFL almost unanimously, prompting speculation about how the league would move forward with the concept.
The immediate burning question was how to incorporate South Australia into the program, in addition to the north-eastern states, such as whether to make the carnival a two-fixture affair from 2027 onwards.
But with the 2026 game heavily supported by tourism investment from the Western Australian government, the AFL's options were limited.
South Australia's government expressed their interest in bringing Origin to the state to complement their annual Gather Round carnival and have been awarded the hosting rights to a 2028 game between South Australia and Western Australia.
Western Australia will host one-off matches in 2027 and 2029 against South Australia and Victoria respectively, meaning 'The Big V' will not be a part of 2027.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said:
“My government is focused on keeping the Western Australian economy the strongest in the nation, through diversification and central to that is growing our tourism sector.
“Hosting the 2027 and 2029 AFL Origin against South Australia and Victoria is a significant boost for our local tourism industry and businesses, offering more local jobs.
“Western Australia has proven the natural home of AFL Origin after hosting the successful return this year against Victoria, drawing thousands of interstate visitors and millions of viewers from across the country.
“Western Australia cannot wait to host South Australia next year at Optus Stadium, in what will be the 50th anniversary of the first Origin match played in the state.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said:
“The return of Origin presents another significant opportunity to put our state in the national spotlight, and welcome thousands of thousands of people into South Australia to enjoy the best of what we have to offer.
“Our hotels, restaurants bars and pubs will benefit from Victorians flooding into SA to witness Origin on the most spectacular of stages at the Adelaide Oval.”
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
