The AFL has named Dean Cox as Western Australia’s coach for the State of Origin return at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 14 February 2026. Chris Scott will coach Victoria. It is the first official Origin since 1999, and it will revive a rivalry that began with the very first Origin match in Perth in 1977. (afl.com.au)
The AFL has confirmed key details, including the venue, broadcast plans, and the broad outline of eligibility rules. The match will be a one-off national showpiece in 2026, with player selection tied to draft-origin criteria that can place stars with the state linked to their original AFL draft, rather than birthplace. Ticketing and squad announcements will follow in the coming weeks as the league ramps up promotion for a Valentine’s Day blockbuster in Perth. (The Guardian)
Why this Origin matters for WA and Victoria
Cox is a WA great and current senior coach of Sydney. Scott is a two-time premiership coach at Geelong. Their appointment signals that the league wants Origin to be elite in preparation and profile. The AFL says the fixture acknowledges fan demand for state pride and the history of the concept. The last time WA faced Victoria in an official Origin was 1992, with Victoria winning at the MCG. (afl.com.au)
Optus Stadium gives this event a modern stage. The venue seats about 61,000 for AFL, with proven capacity for major events and large average AFL attendances. Perth has invested in the stadium’s event pipeline, and the WA Government expects a visitor boost and strong tourism impact across hotels, hospitality, and transport. For local businesses, the date is also a summer peak opportunity. (Wikipedia)
Key facts and what to watch
- Date and time: Saturday, 14 February 2026, Optus Stadium, Perth.
- Coaches: Dean Cox for Western Australia and Chris Scott for Victoria.
- Selection lens: Players linked to the state where their AFL club originally drafted them, not always their birthplace.
- Broadcast and reach: The return is designed as a national event with prime coverage across free-to-air and streaming.
- Historical notes: Last official Origin match was in 1999. First Origin was in Perth in 1977. (afl.com.au)
What eligibility and selections mean for team build
Eligibility tied to draft history can shuffle familiar narratives. Some stars born in one state may run out for another because of where their AFL journey began on draft night. The AFL has flagged that detailed criteria and the first wave of squad news will land ahead of preseason, giving clubs and fans time to plan around travel, memberships, and corporate hospitality. Expect debate, because Origin thrives on identity and rivalry. (afl.com.au)
H3: Fixture, coaches, stadium and history at a glance
| Item | Western Australia vs Victoria |
|---|---|
| Match | AFL State of Origin 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, 14 February 2026 |
| Venue | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| WA Coach | Dean Cox |
| VIC Coach | Chris Scott |
| Capacity guide | About 61,000 for AFL |
| Last official Origin | 1999 |
| First Origin | Perth, 1977 |
| Eligibility theme | State linked to original AFL draft club |
| Expected announcements | Eligibility detail and squads before preseason |
Sources: AFL announcements; Optus Stadium and WA Government releases; national coverage on the Origin return. (afl.com.au)
H4: What this event means for fans, clubs and the WA economy
For fans, Origin offers a clean, high-skill contest without ladder pressure. The single-date model keeps players fresh, reduces club conflict, and heightens scarcity value. Perth on a summer Saturday gives families time to travel and spend. Corporate demand is likely to be high, so early action on hospitality and travel will matter. If you plan to attend, track release windows for tickets and bundle accommodation with refundable options to guard against price spikes. (Optus Stadium)
For clubs, the risk calculus sits with preseason loads. The AFL’s choice of a single headline fixture and elite coaching teams is meant to manage risk while showcasing talent. Medical and high-performance staff will watch minutes and recovery closely. Expect managed rotations, expanded benches, and a premium on player availability. The upside for clubs is national exposure for emerging leaders and match-hardened athletes before Round 1. (afl.com.au)
Trending FAQ
Who are the coaches for the 2026 State of Origin?
Dean Cox will coach Western Australia and Chris Scott will coach Victoria, both appointed by the AFL. (afl.com.au)
When and where is the match?
Saturday, 14 February 2026 at Optus Stadium in Perth. (afl.com.au)
How will players be selected?
Eligibility will align with the state linked to a player’s original AFL draft club rather than birthplace. Full criteria will be published before squads are named. (News.com.au)
When will squads be announced?
The AFL has indicated that eligibility details and team selections will be confirmed in the lead up to preseason schedules. Keep an eye on the Origin Hub and club channels. (afl.com.au)
Why did the AFL pick Perth for the relaunch?
Perth hosted the first Origin in 1977, Optus Stadium offers a large modern venue, and WA authorities backed the event for tourism impact. (afl.com.au)
What is the stadium capacity?
Optus Stadium seats about 61,000 for AFL, with higher capacities for other configurations. (Wikipedia)
When was the last official State of Origin?
1999, when Victoria defeated South Australia. (afl.com.au)
Will there be more Origin games in 2026?
The AFL has positioned this as a single national fixture for 2026. Future years remain under consideration based on fan response and logistics. (Optus Stadium)
What should traveling fans do now?
Monitor AFL and Optus Stadium channels for ticket timelines. Secure refundable accommodation and plan transport early, as Perth hotels will tighten near the date. (Optus Stadium)
How can local businesses prepare?
Align staffing for a Saturday summer surge, extend trading hours, and target packages around pre and post-match dining. Tourism WA expects a visitor uplift that can be captured with simple offers and clear online booking paths. (Western Australian Government)
