- Perth confirmed to host Australian-exclusive AFL Origin in 2027 and 2029
- Western Australian players to face off against South Australian counterparts in 2027, and Victoria in 2029
- Events play a significant role in the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy, boosting the tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses
Perth has scored yet another Australian-exclusive event, with the AAMI AFL Origin set to return to Optus Stadium in February 2027 and again in 2029.
Following a sellout success in 2026, the highly anticipated match will once again showcase a top-tier line-up of WA AFL talent, with Western Australia taking on South Australia in 2027 before facing Victoria in a blockbuster rematch in 2029.
The 2027 event also marks the 50-year anniversary of the original State of Origin match, first played in 1977 at Subiaco Oval.
Both matches are expected to attract thousands of interstate visitors to WA and will be broadcast nationally on Seven Network, Foxtel, 7plus, and Kayo Sports, showcasing Perth and its world-class sporting infrastructure to audiences across the country.
The events will again be complemented by a program of community and fan activations, including open training sessions, a footy fest match-day carnival, and city-wide activations.
The 2026 AFL Origin, held in Perth in February, was the first elite-level interstate showdown since 1999 and drew a crowd of more than 58,000 fans, including thousands of interstate visitors.
Revenue from the sold-out match totalling $1,501,500 is being reinvested into WA football through AFL Origin legacy initiatives including targeted school programs and regional talent development.
The 2027 and 2029 events revenue will also be used to grow community participation in the sport.
Securing blockbuster events such as AFL Origin forms part of the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy, boosting the tourism sector and providing support to local jobs and businesses.
Find out more at afl.com.au
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“My government is focused on keeping the Western Australian economy the strongest in the nation, and one of the ways we’re diversifying our economy is by growing our tourism sector.
“Hosting the 2027 and 2029 AFL Origin against South Australia and Victoria is a significant boost for our local tourism industry and businesses, offering more local jobs.
“Western Australia has proven the natural home of AFL Origin after hosting the successful return this year against Victoria, drawing thousands of interstate visitors and millions of viewers from across the country.
“Western Australia cannot wait to host South Australia next year at Optus Stadium, in what will be the 50th anniversary of the first Origin match played in the State.”
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Locking in AFL Origin for 2027 and 2029 is another major win for Western Australia, reinforcing Perth’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier sporting destinations.
“This year’s AFL Origin was a huge success and bringing it back for two more years means even more fans will get the chance to experience the very best of our homegrown talent.
“We’re committed to ensuring the benefits of our major sporting events flow down to our grassroots clubs, with more than $1.5 million from last year’s event reinvested directly back into community football across our State.
“AFL Origin is not only inspiring the next generation of football stars but building the programs and pathways they need to develop their talent right across Western Australia.”
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“We are delighted to have secured AFL Origin for Perth in both 2027 and 2029, following the overwhelming success of the 2026 match, which saw more than 58,000 fans fill Optus Stadium.
“Events like this continue to strengthen Western Australia’s reputation as a leading destination for major events, while delivering real benefits for our tourism industry, local businesses, and local jobs.
“By securing exclusive, time-specific experiences, we are giving visitors more reasons to choose Western Australia and encouraging them to stay longer and explore more of our State as part of the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy.”
