The AFL State of Origin (also called AFL Origin) has returned with a bang in 2026, bringing back state pride and one of the most heated rivalries in Australian rules football. For the first time since 1999, Western Australia and Victoria are going head‑to‑head in a sold‑out blockbuster at Optus Stadium, Perth and fans are going wild for it.

This match isn’t just another game it’s a once‑in‑a‑generation revival of interstate pride and passion, packed with some of the AFL’s biggest stars. Here’s everything you need to know.

Who’s Playing: 2026 Origin Teams & Key Stars

The two teams, Western Australia (WA) and Victoria (VIC), have been assembled from the AFL’s best, mixing seasoned champions with exciting young talent.

Victoria (Big V)

Victoria’s squad is stacked with star power, including:

  • Marcus Bontempelli (Captain)

  • Nick Daicos (Collingwood) – one of the most electrifying young midfielders in the league

  • Bailey Smith (Geelong)

  • Tom Stewart (Geelong)

  • Others named across the full squad

Victoria coach Chris Scott has labelled this Victorian lineup “one of the best he’s ever selected,” thanks to elite depth and talent across all lines.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia’s squad features fierce talent and leadership under captain Patrick Cripps, who has been vocal about the challenge ahead. Other key WA players include:

  • Patrick Cripps (Captain)

  • Chad Warner (Sydney) — livewire midfielder

  • Jacob Weitering (Carlton) — key intercept defender and one of the most important players for WA, known for his elite reading of the game and ability to stop key forwards. Weitering is expected to play a central role in defending Victoria’s attacking moves.

  • Sam Taylor (GWS)

  • Plus other standout inclusions selected from around the AFL

The rivalry is personal and intense, with players like Weitering predicting a fiery start  fans and rivals alike expect massive physicality right from the first bounce.

When and Where: Start Time & Venue

The 2026 AFL State of Origin kicks off on:

📍 Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026
📍 Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth, Western Australia
⏰ Start Time: 4:40 pm local (AWST) / 7:40 pm (AEDT)

This match sells out 60,000+ tickets and will be the opening centerpiece of the 2026 AFL season, bringing state pride back into elite Aussie rules football.

State of Origin Score & Game Updates

Because the match is live today, scores and action are unfolding as WA and Victoria rekindle their classic rivalry on the field. You can find live scores, key moments, injuries (including a reported Jacob Weitering knock), and minute‑by‑minute updates via dedicated live blogs and sports networks.

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AFL State of Origin: Where & How to Watch Live

Fans won’t miss a second of this historic fixture – here’s how to catch it:

📺 Free & Live TV: Seven Network & Seven’s online 7plus Sport service will broadcast the match live in Australia.
📡 Cable Streaming: Fox Footy, Foxtel and Kayo Sports will have full coverage including pre‑game build‑up and post‑match analysis.
📱 Online Streaming: You can tune in live via 7plus (free streaming in Aus) or Kayo with a subscription — ideal if you’re watching on mobile, tablet, or online.
🌍 Overseas Viewing: Fans outside Australia can stream via international sports streaming services when available, and time conversions mean kick‑off can be checked based on local time ahead of game day.

State of Origin History & Why It Matters

The 2026 AFL Origin revival brings back a celebrated tradition that hasn’t been contested between WA and Victoria since 1992, and overall not since 1999 in a competitive senior fixture.
State matches once highlighted fierce regional rivalries in Aussie rules before national AFL competition expansion made them rarer. The return of this match has been built around fan demand, nostalgia, and renewed interest in interstate pride.

Key Individual Matchups to Watch

🔥 Patrick Cripps vs Marcus Bontempelli – midfield battle of elites
🔥 Nick Daicos – creative link play and scoring threats
🔥 Chad Warner – impact meter through contested ball
🔥 Jacob Weitering – intercept marks and defensive leadership

These battles will shape momentum, space creation, territory gain and ultimately, the match result.

Conclusion: A Must‑Watch Rivalry Reborn

The AFL State of Origin 2026 isn’t just another exhibition it’s a historical showdown, renewing a fierce rivalry between Western Australia and Victoria. Fans will see elite football, personal pride, first‑class talent from players like Cripps, Daicos, Warner, and Weitering, and a strong showcase of why Origin football still captures the imagination of Aussie rules supporters.

Whether you’re watching live in Perth, streaming online or tuning in on free‑to‑air, this is one of the biggest AFL events of the year.