Breaking: AFL confirms State of Origin future with Victoria left out of 2027 game

The Australian Football League (AFL) has solidified the future of its traditional State of Origin series, announcing a three-year schedule that ensures the continuation of this passionate contest. Western Australia will kick off the renewed series by hosting South Australia in 2027.

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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.

The following year, South Australia will have the opportunity to host Victoria in 2028. The series will then see Victoria face off against Western Australia again in 2029, continuing the rich history of state rivalries within Australian rules football.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon expressed his enthusiasm for the confirmed schedule, highlighting State football as a "great tradition" of the game. He pointed to the significant success of the recent State of Origin return, which saw Optus Stadium in Perth attract over 58,000 attendees, as a key factor in securing the series' future.

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Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon decades of rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our greatest players.

"Origin inspires passion, state pride and draws upon decades of rivalries that are central to the history of our game and our greatest players," Dillon stated. He added that locking in the structure for the next three years provides crucial certainty for fans, clubs, players, and stakeholders, allowing them to fully embrace the state rivalries and celebrate the sport.

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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.