AFL Origin: Date locked in for 2027 clash between WA and SA, with later time slot to suit Fremantle Dockers
The date for this summer’s AFL Origin clash at Optus Stadium has been confirmed - and the time slot is set to better suit Freo’s group of WA stars, according to chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich.
AFL Origin will be played two weeks later next season in a move WA Chairman of Selectors Glen Jakovich has declared will hugely benefit Fremantle’s grand final superstars.
Western Australia and South Australia will face off at Optus Stadium on February 27 at 4.40pm, following on from Victoria beating WA by 24 points last season in front of more than 58,000 fans.
That match was notable for the extreme speed of ball movement as the best players in the country put on a show. The ball travelled at extreme speed all night, with coaches around the league revealing the GPS data showed it was played at an unprecedented pace. The total metres gained by players from both teams was more than 1500 metres more than the AFL grand final.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But playing it on February 14 led to criticism that the superstars’ bodies weren’t ready to face such an arduous test.
Sam Taylor (hamstring) and Callum Ah Chee (hamstring), Mitch Georgiades (hamstring), Jacob Weitering (shoulder/ribs) and Matt Rowell (finger) all walked away with injuries and several other big names struggled to train in the weeks after the match.
The AFL season will start one week later in 2027, but the pre-season training will resume at the same time as last year. Fremantle’s experienced players will start on November 30 and West Coast’s stars will be back in action on November 23.
The Dockers had Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton and Jordan Clark selected in the All-Australian team and they are all eligible to play for WA. Jye Amiss was named in the extended All-Australian squad and is also likely to represent the state.
Jakovich said playing the game later was perfect for them.
“It will absolutely help them after they played in the grand final. Those two extra weeks will be perfect for them to be really well prepared,” he told The West Australian.
“We all learnt a lot last year. We have a template now. We will make it really player friendly and that will allow them all to go out there, put on a show and have more than 58,000 fans screaming for WA and showing that passion.”
West Coast had Jake Waterman and Liam Baker, plus recently signed Trent Rivers in last season’s WA team.
Lachie Neale, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jordan Dawson are among the huge names who could represent South Australia.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon anticipates an enormous buzz for the match given it will be the first time since 1998 that WA and SA have played an Origin game.
“Optus Stadium provided an incredible stage for AFL Origin’s return earlier this year and we look forward to continuing to build on that momentum as we prepare for a meeting of two proud football states in Perth,” he said.
“We know football fans around the country will embrace the opportunity to celebrate the history, rivalry and unique spectacle that is AFL Origin.”
Origin was always going to be played later than last season because pop star Bruno Mars has already booked out Optus Stadium for two concerts over Valentine’s weekend.
The AFL is yet to announce who will coach the states. Sydney coach Dean Cox led WA last season and Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir was his assistant. Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr and newly appointed North Melbourne coach Jaymie Graham are also from WA.
