AFL Origin is set to make a significant return, pitting Western Australia against Victoria in a contest for state pride. This highly anticipated match, the first of its kind in nearly 27 years, will feature a host of the league's top talent, rekindling a long-standing rivalry. The event promises a compelling display of Australian Rules Football, drawing considerable attention from fans and stakeholders alike.
Resurgence of State Rivalry
The AFL Origin concept, historically a significant fixture in the football calendar, is being revived to bring back the intense state-versus-state competition. This format, which once defined a golden era of representative football, aims to capture the imagination of fans by showcasing the best players representing their home states. The return is expected to generate substantial interest, leveraging the deep-seated regional allegiances within Australian football.
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The AFL Origin match signifies a deliberate effort to reignite traditional state-based rivalries, a format that has been absent for a considerable period.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The AFL Origin 2026 match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 14.
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth, Western Australia
Start Time:
Local time (Perth): 4:40 PM AWST
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT): 7:40 PM AEDT
Broadcast: Coverage details indicate that Filmogaz.com will be streaming the event. Pre-match coverage is slated to begin at 6:30 PM AEDT. Specific television broadcast partners were not definitively stated across all provided summaries.
Fans can expect the game to commence at 4:40 PM local time in Perth, with pre-match analysis starting earlier in the evening.
Predicted Teams and Key Figures
The predicted line-ups for both Western Australia and Victoria have been outlined, featuring prominent players from across the AFL.
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Western Australia Squad (Predicted)
Coach: Dean Cox (Sydney Swans coach)
Key Players Identified:
Jaeger O’Meara, Luke Jackson, Stephen Coniglio, Callum Ah Chee, Chad Warner, Jordan Clark, Rory Lobb, Shai Bolton, Patrick Cripps, Bradley Hill, Darcy Cameron, Samuel Taylor, Lawson Humphries, Mitchell Georgiades, Jesse Hogan, Charlie Cameron, Wil Powell, Aaron Naughton, Nathan Broad, Kysaiah Pickett, Tom Barrass, Tim English, Jake Waterman, Liam Baker.
Key Awards:
Graham Moss Medal (WA): Predicted winner is Shai Bolton.
Odds: Western Australia is listed at $2.90 to win.
Victoria Squad (Predicted)
Coach: Chris Scott (Geelong Cats premiership mentor)
Key Players Identified:
Jack Sinclair, Caleb Serong, Marcus Bontempelli, Hugh McCluggage, Zach Merrett, Nick Daicos, Zak Butters, Sam Darcy, Max Gawn, Lachie Ash, Blake Hardwick, Max Holmes, Noah Anderson, Matthew Rowell, Jack Gunston, Ed Richards, Jacob Weitering, Joshua Battle, Sam Collins, Bailey Smith, Ben King, Patrick Dangerfield, Tristan Xerri, Tom Stewart.
Key Awards:
EJ Whitten Medal (Victoria): Predicted winner is Nick Daicos.
Odds: Victoria is listed as the favorite at $1.40 to win.
The predicted squads reveal a strong contingent of established AFL stars for both Western Australia and Victoria, with coaches Dean Cox and Chris Scott leading their respective teams.
The Significance of the Return
The AFL Origin game is more than just a match; it represents state pride and a direct test of supremacy between Australia's footballing states. Optus Stadium in Perth is poised to be the stage for this significant event, offering a vibrant atmosphere for fans.
Read More: AFL State of Origin Game Returns After Long Break
Event Theme: "State pride, superstar line ups and pure footy passion."
Location Appeal: Perth is highlighted for its appealing February weather, offering a combination of sport and tourism.
Historical Context: While there have been individual matches and tributes, the return of a full-fledged State of Origin series is seen as distinct from these past events, harkening back to a "golden era."
The revival of AFL Origin is framed as a substantial event designed to tap into a deep-seated sense of state identity and deliver a high-calibre football spectacle.
Uniforms and Symbols
The visual identity of the Origin match is further defined by the distinctive playing guernseys.
Western Australia: Will wear a gold jumper featuring the traditional black swan.
Victoria: Will sport a navy blue base with the iconic white 'V', referred to as the "Big V".
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These designs evoke the historical imagery associated with state representative teams in Australian Rules Football.
The distinct uniforms for Western Australia and Victoria are intended to visually represent their respective states and the historical legacy of the Origin format.
Evidence Summary
| Article Link | Publication Date | Key Information Highlighted |
|---|---|---|
| foxsports.com.au | 22 hours ago | Game time, predicted teams, broadcast details, return after 27 years. |
| afl.com.au | Jan 25, 2026 | State rivalries resume, WA vs Victoria at Optus Stadium, Feb 14, coaches (Scott, Cox), guernsey details. |
| espn.com.au | Feb 4, 2026 | First time since the turn of the century, WA hosts Victoria, Optus Stadium, Feb 14, 4:40 PM local time (7:40 PM AEDT). |
| filmogaz.com | 2 days ago | WA hosts Victoria at Optus Stadium, pre-match coverage at 6:30 PM AEDT, 4:40 PM AWST kick-off, Feb 14. |
| smartb.com.au | 2 days ago | Detailed predicted team lists (players/numbers), predicted line-ups, key awards (Graham Moss, EJ Whitten Medals), odds. |
| sportsnetholidays.com | Nov 12, 2025 | Defines AFL Origin as players representing home states for bragging rights, promotes Perth as a destination, return of rivalry. |
Expert Analysis and Predictions
While direct quotes from "experts" are not available in the provided text, the odds and predicted award winners offer an indication of anticipated performance and player recognition.
Read More: AFL State of Origin is Back: Western Australia Plays Victoria
Betting Odds: Victoria is favored to win the match at $1.40, with Western Australia at $2.90.
Graham Moss Medal (WA's Best): Shai Bolton is highlighted. Other contenders mentioned include Patrick Cripps and Luke Jackson.
EJ Whitten Medal (Victoria's Best): Nick Daicos is predicted to win. Other notable players considered are Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, and Hugh McCluggage.
Outcome Reference: One summary notes a historical result in "wet conditions, Victoria prevailed 17.19 (121) to 10.7 (67) in front of 26,063 fans." This appears to reference a past match, not the upcoming 2026 fixture, and its relevance to the current prediction is unclear without further context.
The betting markets and predicted award winners suggest Victoria is anticipated to have an edge in the contest, with specific players identified as potential standouts for individual accolades.
Conclusion and Implications
The AFL Origin 2026 match between Western Australia and Victoria is poised to be a significant event, marking the revival of a popular and historically important format. The game is set to take place on February 14 at Optus Stadium in Perth, with a 4:40 PM AWST start time. The event aims to reignite fierce state-based rivalries, showcasing a collection of the AFL's premier talent under the guidance of respected coaches Dean Cox and Chris Scott.
Read More: Victoria Beats Western Australia in State of Origin Return, Player Injured
Key Implication: The success of this revival could influence the future of representative football within the AFL landscape.
Fan Engagement: The strong historical resonance of the Origin concept is expected to drive considerable fan interest and attendance.
Next Steps: Further official team announcements and detailed broadcast schedules would provide a more complete picture of the event's final arrangements.
Sources
foxsports.com.au: AFL Origin 2026: Game time, predicted teams and how to watch details — Everything you need to know - Published: 22 hours ago. Provides overarching details on the event.
afl.com.au: Ultimate Guide to the 2026 AFL Origin game - Published: Jan 25, 2026. Details the return of state rivalries, venue, date, and coaches.
espn.com.au: AFL State of Origin: Teams, key details, everything you need to know - Published: Feb 4, 2026. Confirms date, time, and location, emphasizing the revival of the format.
filmogaz.com: AFL Origin 2026: Game Time, Predicted Teams, and Viewing Guide - Published: 2 days ago. Offers broadcast times and confirms the Perth venue.
smartb.com.au: AFL Origin 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Block | 11/02/2026 - Published: 2 days ago. Provides detailed predicted team lists, line-ups, and betting odds.
sportsnetholidays.com: What Is AFL Origin | Sportsnet® Holidays - Published: Nov 12, 2025. Explains the concept of AFL Origin and its significance.
Read More: AFL State of Origin is Back: Victoria Plays Western Australia Again
