AFL State of Origin Game Returns After Long Break

The AFL State of Origin game is back! Victoria and Western Australia are playing in Perth. This is a special game with the best players from each state. Many fans are watching.
By Newsroom | AFL, Western Australia |

The historic AFL State of Origin competition has made a significant return, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to Optus Stadium in Perth for a much-anticipated showdown between Victoria and Western Australia. This marks the first State of Origin match since the turn of the century, reviving a long-standing rivalry between two of Australian rules football's most prominent states. Both teams, comprised of top AFL talent, are set to compete for state bragging rights, with the atmosphere described as electric.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Warner fired up as WA draw first blood in State of Origin battle - 1

Competition Overview

  • The AFL State of Origin game is a revival of a historic competition, with the last match taking place before 2000.

  • Western Australia is hosting Victoria at Optus Stadium in Perth.

  • The match is a significant event, bringing together the best players from each state to represent their home territory.

  • Reports indicate a strong turnout, with approximately 60,000 fans present, supporting the home Western Australian team.

Early Match Action and Dynamics

The game commenced with an intense start, reflecting the long-awaited nature of this contest.

Read More: Victoria Beats Western Australia in AFL Origin Game, But Injuries Cause Worry

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Warner fired up as WA draw first blood in State of Origin battle - 2

  • Western Australia took an early lead, with Jesse Hogan noted for scoring.

  • The scoreboard saw rapid changes in the opening minutes:

  • WA 6, VIC 0 (23 minutes remaining in Q1)

  • WA 12, VIC 0 (23 minutes remaining in Q1)

  • WA 12, VIC 6 (20 minutes remaining in Q1)

  • VIC 14, WA 12 (15 minutes remaining in Q1)

  • There were indications of early physical play, with a "fierce tug" of the Western Australian jumper after a goal. One report also mentioned an "Origin blue" and highlighted the impact of Ben King on Rory Lobb.

Team Preparations and Statements

Coaches and team officials expressed their anticipation for the event.

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Warner fired up as WA draw first blood in State of Origin battle - 3

  • Victoria's coach, Chris Scott, made a bold statement regarding his team's lineup:

  • He compared the current Victorian team to past formidable lineups featuring legends like Gary Ablett Snr, Jason Dunstall, and Tony Lockett.

  • Scott declared the present Victorian team "the best team that I’ve ever seen take the field."

  • He vowed that both sides would deliver an exciting spectacle.

  • Reports suggest that many players involved are on long-term contracts, acknowledging their skill and deserved recognition.

Broadcast and Media Coverage

The return of the State of Origin has been met with extensive media attention.

Read More: Jacob Weitering Hurt in AFL Origin Game

Victoria vs Western Australia LIVE: Warner fired up as WA draw first blood in State of Origin battle - 4

  • The match is being broadcast live on Fox Footy (via Kayo Sports or Foxtel Channel 504) and Channel 7, with coverage beginning around 7:00 PM AEDT.

  • Live blogs and updates are being provided by multiple news outlets, including The Age, ESPN Australia, ABC News, Fox Sports Australia, and 7NEWS.

Unrelated Sporting Events

It is important to note that the provided data also contains information on unrelated sporting fixtures between Western Australia and Victoria. These pertain to the Sheffield Shield and the National One-Day Cup, both of which are cricket competitions. These cricket matches, played at different times and with different team compositions, should not be confused with the AFL State of Origin event.

  • Sheffield Shield matches are mentioned, with some dated as far back as November 2024 and December 2025.

  • The National One-Day Cup also features these two states, with a match noted from November 13, 2024, where Western Australia won by electing to bowl.

  • A cricket score update from December 1, 2025, shows Western Australia scoring 289/3 in response to Victoria's 285.

Conclusion and Implications

The AFL State of Origin has successfully been reintroduced, generating significant interest and immediate on-field action. The early exchanges suggest a fiercely contested match, true to the spirit of state rivalries. The broad media coverage indicates the importance placed on this event within the Australian sporting landscape. The return of this competition provides a platform for players to represent their states, rekindling a passion for this traditional format of the game.

Read More: AFL State of Origin is Back: Western Australia Plays Victoria

Sources:

Read More: AFL Star Jacob Weitering Hurt Early in Origin Game

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the AFL State of Origin game?
It is a special Australian Rules Football game where the best players from Victoria play against the best players from Western Australia.
Q: Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at Optus Stadium in Perth, which is in Western Australia.
Q: Has this game happened before?
Yes, this game is a return of an old tradition. The last game was played many years ago, before the year 2000.
Q: Who is playing for which team?
The game is between Victoria and Western Australia, with top players from each state playing for their home state.
Q: How can I watch the game?
The game is shown on TV on Fox Footy and Channel 7.