AFL makes big State of Origin call as three-year plan locked in

Victoria is set to sit out the next AFL State of Origin and will not host the marquee match for at least three seasons.

The AFL on Monday confirmed a three-year plan to continue State of Origin, reintroducing South Australia next season.

Western Australia hosted Victoria earlier this year in the first state match in nearly 30 years.

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Victoria won the high-octane match and GWS defender Lachie Ash was crowned best afield.

Western Australia will host South Australia at Perth Stadium next season before South Australia welcomes Victoria to Adelaide Oval in 2028.

The fixture will reset, Western Australia against Victoria at Perth Stadium, again in 2029.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says the certainty of Origin for the next three years allows supporters to “embrace the state rivalry”.

“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,” 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.

“I would like to thank Premier Roger Cook and the Western Australian Government for their support in delivering this exciting event for our code in 2027 and 2029, and to Premier Peter Malinauskas and the South Australian Government for their ongoing partnership and bringing elite-level state footy back to Adelaide in 2028.”

Victoria was always an unlikely host for next season’s match, given the timing of the Anniversary Test cricket match between Australia and England.

STATE OF ORIGIN THREE-YEAR PLAN

Western Australia v South Australia in Perth (2027)

South Australia v Victoria in Adelaide (2028)

Western Australia v Victoria in Perth (2029)

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