AFL State of Origin 2026: Time, Teams & Where to Watch Live

AFL State of Origin 2026:- PERTH — The wait is finally over. For the first time in over 25 years, the greatest rivalry in Australian rules football returns to the elite stage. Tonight, Saturday, February 14, 2026, the “Big V” lands in the West as Victoria takes on Western Australia in a blockbuster AAMI AFL Origin clash at a sold-out Optus Stadium.

Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or a new fan witnessing state-based rivalry for the first time, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 AFL Origin game.

Kick-off Time: When Does it Start?

The game is scheduled for a twilight start in Perth to accommodate a prime-time national audience.

• AWST (Local Perth Time): 4:40 PM
• AEDT (VIC/NSW/TAS): 7:40 PM
• ACDT (South Australia): 7:10 PM
• AEST (Queensland): 6:40 PM

Where to Watch: Broadcast & Streaming

If you aren’t one of the lucky 60,000 fans packing out Optus Stadium, you can catch every minute of the action across multiple platforms:

• Free-to-Air: Live on Channel 7 and 7plus.
• Subscription TV: Live in 4K Ultra HD on Fox Footy (Channel 504).
• Streaming: Stream live and on-demand via Kayo Sports.
• Radio: Coverage available via ABC Sport, 3AW, and SEN.

The Teams: Star-Studded Squads

This isn’t an exhibition—it’s a clash of the titans. The two squads boast a combined 28 All-Australians and 18 Premiership players.

Western Australia (The Sandgropers)

• Captain: Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
• Coach: Dean Cox
• Key Players: Chad Warner, Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson, and the controversial but eligible Kysaiah Pickett.
• The Edge: WA holds more individual premiership rings (19 total) and will be looking to use the “cauldron” of Optus Stadium to their advantage.

Victoria (The Big V)

• Captain: Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
• Coach: Chris Scott
• Key Players: Nick Daicos, Max Gawn, Toby Greene, and Sam Darcy.
• The Edge: Victoria dominates the All-Australian count with 53 total “blazers” in their squad compared to WA’s 15.

Match Rules & The Prize

To keep the game fast-paced, the AFL has introduced specific Origin rules:

• Quarters: 25 minutes (flat time for first 23 mins, time-on for last 2 mins).
• Rotations: No interchange cap—expect high-speed, high-intensity football.
• The Trophy: The winner will hoist the Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer Cup.
• Individual Medals: The best-on-ground for WA receives the Graham Moss Medal, while the best Victorian takes home the E.J. Whitten Medal.

Verdict: Why This Matters

The last time these two states faced off in a true State of Origin match was 1992. Today, on Valentine’s Day, the love for the jumper is reborn. With the Senate in recess and the DHS shutdown making headlines in the US, Australia’s eyes are firmly fixed on the turf in Perth.