Victoria bumped in favour of South Australia v Western Australia next year as AFL lock in Origin future

South Australia will return to the AFL's Origin arena and face Western Australia in Perth, almost 30 years after the states last locked horns.

Murray Wenzel
AAP
Victoria won’t feature in AFL Origin next year before returning in 2028.
Victoria won’t feature in AFL Origin next year before returning in 2028. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

The AFL has confirmed the future of Origin footy, with South Australia to return after 28 years and face Western Australia in Perth.

The rivalry will resume at Optus Stadium next year, before South Australia host Victoria at Adelaide Oval in 2028 and then Western Australia take on Victoria in Perth in 2029.

The fixture confirmation follows the return of the Origin concept earlier this year, when Victoria beat Western Australia in front of 58,141 fans at Optus Stadium.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

It means the likes of South Australian stars Lachie Neale, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jordan Dawson and Jason Horne-Francis could feature in the Origin arena for the first time.

“State football is one of the great traditions of our game ... Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon decades of rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our greatest players,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said.

“Locking in the structure for the next three years provides fans, clubs, players and stakeholders certainty on Origin, allowing them to embrace the state rivalry and celebrate our great game.”

AFL’S ORIGIN FUTURE

* 2027 - Western Australia v South Australia at Optus Stadium* 2028 - South Australia v Victoria at Adelaide Oval* 2029 - Western Australia v Victoria at Optus Stadium

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 24-07-2026

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 24 July 202624 July 2026

Despite the spectre of One Nation and the omnipotence of Donald Trump, Labor’s policy party is all amateur theatre and scripted drama.