The most exciting time of the year is nearly here with football set to return shortly, but in 2026 it will look a little bit different to other seasons.
Before the match simulations and practice games kick off, the game's brightest stars will head west for the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin game.
A staple of Australian Rules Football particularly between the 1980's and 90's, the state-based representative match will return for the first time since 1999 with Victoria set to take on Western Australia.
Geelong are set to feature heavily in the spectacle with four key Cats' selected for Victoria, while Lawson Humphries will line-up across from his usual teammates and represent Western Australia.
The Cats' influence extends beyond the field, with Chris Scott also set to take the reins as Victoria's head coach for the match.
Take a look at everything you need to know to prepare for the return of AFL Origin.
Key Details
Who: Western Australia v Victoria
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 7.40pm AEDT (4.40pm local time)
Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
Geelong Representation for Victoria
Jeremy Cameron
The reigning Coleman Medallist and All-Australian captain is set to pull on the 'Big V' for the second time.
Cameron previously represented Victoria in the 2020 AFL State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game.
The superstar forward is coming off a sensational 2025 season, where he kicked a career-high 88 goals.
Patrick Dangerfield
Similar to Cameron, this will be Dangerfield's second time representing Victoria after also featuring in the 2020 AFL State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game.
The Cats skipper made a move into the forward 50 last year to great effect, kicking 30 goals for the season which included a phenomenal 31-disposal and three-goal performance in the Preliminary Final.
Max Holmes
Holmes' meteoric rise continued in 2025, averaging a number of career-highs en route to a second consecutive Carji Greeves Medal.
Dominating through the midfield and across half-back, Holmes averaged 27 disposals and six inside 50s per game last year, while also finishing second in the competition for total metres gained.
Tom Stewart
With the absence of AFL Origin for an extended period of time, this will surprisingly be Tom Stewart's first time wearing the 'Big V.'
Further adding to a legacy that includes a premiership, five All-Australian blazers and two Carji Greeves Medals, Stewart continued to be one of the pre-eminent defenders in the AFL last year.
Geelong Representation for Western Australia
Lawson Humphries
It is still hard to fathom that roughly 18 months ago Humphries was making his AFL debut, such has been the rapid progression by the young defender.
After another terrific season across half-back, Humphries has earned his second representative nod, after featuring for the Indigenous All Stars last year.
In the Coaches Box
Announced late last year, Chris Scott will lead the Victorian team for the AFL Origin Match.
His resume speaks for itself with 360 games in charge at Geelong, leading the Cats to 13 finals series in 15 years and two premierships.
All-time great ruckman, Dean Cox will coach the Western Australia side.
The Last Official AFL Origin Match
Victoria 19.19 (121) def South Australia 10.7 (67)
The last official AFL Origin match took place in May 1999, when Victoria romped to an emphatic victory over South Australia in front of 26,063 at the MCG.
While there have been other representative matches in 2008 and 2020, this was the last official Australian Rules State of Origin Match.
Geelong were well represented in the match, with Peter Riccardi and Garry Hocking both pulling on the 'Big V.'
Where to Watch
The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Sports, as well as 7Plus and Kayo streaming platforms.
