The AFL is reportedly making significant strides towards reinstating its own State of Origin format in Perth next year—this announcement comes just a day after the NRL hosted a game in the city.
According to The Age, the West Australian government is enthusiastic about hosting this prominent AFL event, which is tentatively scheduled for February 2026.
The anticipated match is set to feature Western Australia challenging Victoria, showcasing the two states’ strongest talent pools in a thrilling encounter.
A full Optus Stadium in Perth during a State of Origin match. Getty
This news follows the NRL’s second game of its Origin series held in Perth on Wednesday night.
The NRL is clearly establishing its presence in WA, with plans to introduce the Perth Bears as an expansion team in 2027.
However, there seems to be some pushback from local media, particularly from Kerry Stokes-owned Seven West Media, that has been rather quiet about the NRL event.
The back page of The West Australian on Thursday wryly stated: “One bunch of east coasters beat another at rugby in Perth last night,” in a rather small white box. This term “rugby” for league is a classic provocation for fans of the 13-man code.
In contrast, the back page featured a story about West Coast captain Oscar Allen, who is poised to leave during free agency.
Leading up to the game, the newspaper referred to Thursday night’s AFL showdown between Fremantle and Essendon as State of Origin returning to Perth.
Interestingly, there was no mention of the NRL’s high-profile event during Tuesday night’s Perth news bulletin on Seven, the AFL’s free-to-air broadcasting partner.
Should the AFL proceed with its own version of the event glamourised by the NRL in Perth, it would surely capture the spotlight.
Local pride would surge as the WA team, featuring notable players such as Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan, Freo’s Shai Bolton, and Sydney’s Chad Warner, takes to the field.
Calls of Victorian bias within the AFL will undoubtedly be rampant, and the local media will likely drive that narrative—which is only natural as they attempt to generate some tension.
In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, Chris Dore, editor of The West Australian, asserted that rugby league is viewed as a second-tier sport in the region, justifying their restrained coverage.
“The obsession with how The West covers league is absurd,” Dore expressed.
“Rugby league is just not a mainstream sport here.”
NSW Blues celebrating a try. Nine
An impressive crowd of 57,023 attended the Origin match at Optus Stadium, enduring driving rain—this figure is just shy of the 62,000 capacity, marking a turnout higher than any AFL game in 2025 so far, including the Fremantle/West Coast derby, which attracted just over 53,000 spectators.
The only match to draw a larger audience to the venue in 2025 was the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Japan.
The 2021 AFL grand final saw 61,118 attendees at Optus Stadium, when Perth was appointed to host the grand event during the pandemic.
It’s evident that the state government holds a different perspective on the NRL compared to the local media, demonstrated by their willingness to host the event and support for the new Bears team.
Additionally, the Dolphins and Knights are set to face off in Perth this Saturday, well-timed as West Coast enjoys a bye and Fremantle plays on Thursday night.
The AFL is eager to claim its slice of the Origin action, with chief Andrew Dillon particularly excited about reinventing the concept.
As reported by The Age, Dillon intends to discuss this initiative with the state government following his visit last week. A decision is expected in the months to come.
The AFL hasn’t staged a genuine state versus state matchup since 1999, although ‘The Big V’ did go against ‘The Allies’ in exhibition matches, most recently during the 2020 bushfire relief game.
2020’s Bushfire Relief match between Victoria and The Allies. Getty
Wednesday’s game two of the Origin series in Perth was a thrilling encounter, with New South Wales staging a late comeback and nearly overturning a 20-point deficit, only for Queensland to hold on for the victory.
It was a fierce, intense contest played in pouring rain, witnessed by an engaged crowd, while fans on the east coast held their breath with every moment.
The AFL faces challenges in recreating the same level of intensity for its State of Origin format for numerous reasons.
Foremost among those is the stakes involved. While local bragging rights would be at play, it’s hard to fathom that many in Victoria would feel strongly about the outcome, even if they tuned in by the thousands.
Furthermore, conjuring any state combination that could compete with a full-strength Victorian side is a daunting task.
A pre-season exhibition match in February would be an entertaining diversion, but it may fade into obscurity once the actual season begins.
As a truly national sport, the AFL will also face challenges in keeping all states satisfied and engaged with State of Origin, particularly South Australia, which will also want its share of the spotlight.
The AFL has built its foundation on the pursuit of a top eight finish and claiming premierships; any initiatives beyond that take a backseat.
Imagine the uproar if a player sustains a severe injury during the game. The ensuing backlash might push the concept back into the ‘too hard’ basket.
And that afflicted team would likely spend the year lamenting the State of Origin.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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