The AFL has listened to club feedback and will reduce the quarter lengths of the pre-season AFL Origin clash to 18 minutes plus standard time-on.
In the 2026 return of the state-versus-state exhibition clash, quarters soared past 30 minutes, with the opening term eclipsing 40 minutes, largely due to Jacob Weitering's rib injury and subsequent stretching from the field.
Multiple injuries occurred during the clash.
The AFL hopes average quarter lengths will not reach 30 minutes following the reduction they'll implement in 2027.
"The revised format is expected to produce average quarter lengths of less than 30 minutes, reducing player load while maintaining a meaningful representative football experience," the AFL's memo to clubs said.
The return of AFL Origin in February was a raging success, with a packed-out Optus Stadium witnessing the Big V beat Western Australia in a high-scoring, fast-paced contest.
However, there were casualties, with multiple players going down, including GWS key defender and All-Australian Sam Taylor.
The Giant missed the first half of the season with a serious hamstring injury, playing his first game in Round 12.
Taylor wasn't the only injury to come from the game, with Matt Rowell (finger), Jacob Weitering (ribs), Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) and Mitch Georgiades (hamstring) suffering setbacks.
The AFL has pushed back the Origin clash between SA and WA to February 27 (previously Feb 14) to accommodate players spending more time at clubs during the pre-season after they return from the Christmas break.
Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr recently shared his fears of player injuries as South Australia prepares to join the AFL Origin series following its return to the football calendar.
"I know the AFL likes to work with the coaches and make sure they're doing what's best for clubs as well," Carr said last week.
"So, I think it's a bit of a two-way communication and agreement. Yeah, you get a little bit worried or nervous when the players are out there. You just hope that they get through.”
