The AFL has locked away three more years of State of Origin football, welcoming South Australia to the mix.
The return of representative state footy this year was a resounding success, with Western Australia hosting Victoria at Optus Stadium in February. The VICs were victorious.
In February 2027, Western Australia will host South Australia at Optus Stadium, almost 30 years since the states last battled in elite-level State of Origin football.
The following year, South Australia will host Victoria, marking a 30-year return since the two states last played off in the 1999 clash.
Then, to complete the round robin, the Sandgropers are looking for redemption when they face off against Victoria, having played each other earlier this year, where the Big V defeated WA by 24 points.
“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 said.
“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."
More to come.
