<h2>AFL State of Origin to Return After 25 Years - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- AFL State of Origin football returns in 2026 after a 25-year absence, featuring Western Australia versus Victoria</p> <p>-The blockbuster interstate clash scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Perth's Optus Stadium promises to reignite representative football passion</p> <p>-CEO Andrew Dillon's initiative aims to inject high-value events into the football calendar, delivering fans fresh spectacle to launch the season</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>AFL State of Origin is set to make its long-awaited return in 2026, with Western Australia set to battle Victoria at Perth's Optus Stadium on February 14.</p> <p>It will be the first true State of Origin match of 1999, and Western Australia’s first State of Origin clash since 1998.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Historic Return Confirmed for State of Origin Football</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>AFL State of Origin is officially making its comeback after a 25-year hiatus, marking one of the most significant announcements in recent Australian football history.&nbsp;</p> <p>The interstate rivalry between Western Australia and Victoria will resume on February 14, 2026, at Perth's Optus Stadium, delivering fans the representative football spectacle they've been craving since 1999.</p> <p>The formal announcement confirming the State of Origin reboot comes as part of CEO Andrew Dillon's strategic vision to enhance the football calendar with premium events.&nbsp;</p> <p>This move taps directly into the enduring passion Australian fans hold for representative football, positioning the clash as a season-opening blockbuster that promises to captivate audiences nationwide.</p> <p>The return of State of Origin follows the success of this year’s Indigenous All-Stars clash at Optus Stadium, with 37,865 fans turning out to witness the representative side crush the Dockers by 43 points.</p> <p>The timing couldn't be more perfect, with Valentine's Day 2026 set to become synonymous with fierce interstate competition rather than romantic gestures.&nbsp;</p> <p>Perth's Optus Stadium provides the ideal backdrop for this historic return, offering a world-class venue capable of hosting the expected massive crowds eager to witness the resurrection of AFL State of Origin football.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Building on Recent Success</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While the State of Origin hasn't featured as a regular fixture since 1999, the AFL successfully hosted a one-off match in February 2020 to support bushfire relief efforts.&nbsp;</p> <p>That emotional encounter showcased the continued appeal of representative football, with stars including Trent Cotchin, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Pendlebury, and Todd Goldstein proudly wearing the 'Big V' for Victoria.</p> <p>The 2020 bushfire relief match demonstrated that AFL State of Origin still holds significant drawing power among players and fans alike.&nbsp;</p> <p>The upcoming 2026 clash builds upon that foundation, offering a more structured approach to interstate competition that could potentially become a regular fixture.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Vision for Football's Future</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>CEO Andrew Dillon's decision to reintroduce State of Origin football represents more than nostalgic appeal - it's a calculated move to inject high-value content into the AFL calendar.&nbsp;</p> <p>The initiative addresses growing demand for premium football events while providing players with additional representative opportunities beyond their club commitments.</p> <p>Details regarding player availability remain under wraps, though the official announcement is expected to clarify selection criteria and participation guidelines.&nbsp;</p> <p>The long-term future of the concept will likely depend on the success of this inaugural return match, with potential expansion to include other states if the Western Australia versus Victoria clash delivers expected results.</p> <p>The February timing strategically positions State of Origin football as a season appetiser, building excitement ahead of the regular AFL campaign while giving fans something special to anticipate during the traditional off-season period.</p> <p>This historic return promises to reignite one of Australian football's most cherished traditions, delivering the interstate passion and representative pride that made State of Origin a beloved fixture for generations of football fans across the country.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>