AFL Origin returns to Perth as Black Swans tackle Croweaters

State of Origin footy will return to Perth for a second year in a row with the AFL confirming Western Australia will host South Australia at Optus Stadium next February.

WA will host AFL Origin fixtures in 2027 (against SA) and 2029 (against Victoria) in a massive boost for football in our State.

It comes after State of Origin made a successful return earlier this year, after a 27-year wait, when the Black Swans clashed against Victoria in front of 58,141 fans at Optus Stadium.

WA Football CEO Brad Wira was delighted to welcome back State of Origin to Perth again next year.

“We saw just how popular the return of AFL Origin was this year and we’re looking forward to bringing it back to Perth for two of the next three years,” Wira said.

“What better way to inspire the next generation of WA footballers to pick up a footy then by having the biggest AFL stars go head-to-head at Optus Stadium with state pride on the line.

WA Football junior players pose during the announcement of the 2027 AFL Origin Series at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

“Coming off record-breaking participation figures of 93,000, we expect that number to keep growing over the next few years with events like this in our own backyard.

“We can’t thank the AFL and the State Government enough for their work in making WA the home of AFL Origin for three of the first four years since the revival this year.

“We’ve got such a great rivalry against the Croweaters, highlighted by our yearly Kia WAFL and WAFLW State Games, and we’re excited to bring that rivalry back at AFL level.”

“State football is one of the great traditions of our game, and we are pleased to see it continue in 2027 and beyond after the huge success of its return earlier this year which saw more than 58,000 people fill Optus Stadium in Perth,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon added.

“Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon decades of rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our greatest players.

“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.

“I would like to thank Premier Roger Cook and the Western Australian Government for their support in delivering this exciting event for our code in 2027 and 2029, and to Premier Peter Malinauskas and the South Australian Government for their ongoing partnership and bringing elite-level state footy back to Adelaide in 2028.”

2027-29 AAMI AFL Origin fixtures

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