AFL Locks in Date for South Australia’s State of Origin Return at Optus Stadium in 2027

The Australian Football League (AFL) has officially scheduled South Australia’s return to rep football, confirming the “Croweaters” will face Western Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, 27 February 2027.

The fixture marks South Australia’s first State of Origin appearance since 1999 and the first Origin battle between WA and SA since 1998.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:40 pm AWST (7:10 pm ACDT / 7:40 pm AEDT). The late-February timing sits two weeks later than the 2026 Origin fixture to align with the delayed start of the 2027 AFL Premiership season, which commences on March 17 or 18 due to the 150th Anniversary Test match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (11–15 March 2027).

Highligting the commercial and historical value of reigniting interstate state football rivalries, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “We are thrilled to officially confirm a date for AAMI AFL Origin in 2027, with Western Australia and South Australia set to reignite one of football’s greatest rivalries next February.”

“Optus Stadium provided an incredible stage for AFL Origin’s return earlier this year and we look forward to continuing to build on that momentum as we prepare for a meeting of two proud football states in Perth.

“We know football fans around the country will embrace the opportunity to celebrate the history, rivalry and unique spectacle that is AFL Origin,” Dillon said.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook noted that hosting the event supports the state’s major events strategy, tourism sector, and local hospitality economy.

Significance and Three-Year Origin Schedule

The 2027 match carries historic weight across Australian football, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural State of Origin match played in Western Australia in 1977. The fixture also coincides with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).

The AFL has locked in a structured three-year Origin roadmap following the commercial and broadcast success of the concept’s return in 2026:

• 2027: Western Australia vs. South Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth (Sat, 27 Feb)
• 2028: South Australia vs. Victoria at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
• 2029: Western Australia vs. Victoria at Optus Stadium, Perth

Roster Potential and Governance Perspectives

Potential South Australian Origin selections include marquee AFL stars such as Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Lachie Neale, Jordan Dawson, Jason Horne-Francis, and Brodie Grundy. Coaching staff and playing squads for both states will be finalized in the coming months.

Primary ticket allocations via Ticketmaster will open on Wednesday, 2 December 2026 for AFL club members, followed by general public sales on Thursday, 3 December 2026. The match will be broadcast nationally across the Seven Network, Foxtel, 7plus, and Kayo Sports.