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AFL Considers State of Origin Return

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. /02/13/afl-considers-state-of-origin-return.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 14:27 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, AUSTRALIA

Melbourne, Australia - February 13th, 2026 - The Australian Football League is seriously considering introducing a pre-season State of Origin match, following strong advocacy from the players themselves, as revealed by outgoing AFL Chairman Richard Goyder. The proposal, gaining momentum within the league, aims to revitalize the traditional rivalry and provide a high-intensity, skills-focused spectacle before the regular season begins.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Goyder confirmed the players' keen interest in a return to representative football, specifically a State of Origin format. "The players have made it clear they see value in a pre-season Origin game," he stated. "They believe it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills, play with and against players they usually compete against rather than with, and importantly, reignite that sense of state pride."

The concept isn't entirely new. State of Origin matches were a prominent feature of the VFL/AFL landscape for many years, but faded in popularity, ultimately being replaced by the current pre-season practice matches. While these practice matches serve a purpose in team preparation, critics have often lamented their often lacklustre intensity and absence of genuine competitive fire. A dedicated State of Origin fixture, however, promises a different atmosphere entirely - one steeped in history and fueled by tribal loyalty.

Several factors are driving the renewed interest. The modern AFL landscape, while hugely successful commercially, has been criticised by some for its homogenization. Player movement, while commonplace, means players are increasingly disconnected from their original state affiliations. A State of Origin game would powerfully re-establish those links, reminding fans - and players - of the deep-rooted regional identities that underpin the AFL.

"The appeal isn't just about nostalgia," explains prominent sports analyst, Sarah Kennett. "It's about tapping into something fundamental. State pride is a powerful motivator, and seeing players genuinely compete for their state, knowing it means something special to the fans, would be compelling viewing. It's a chance to showcase the best footballers, not necessarily in a team context, but as individuals excelling on behalf of their home state."

However, Goyder cautioned that implementing the proposal won't be straightforward. "There are challenges, of course. Scheduling is always a concern, especially given the already congested pre-season period. We need to consider player workload, particularly with the increasing demands on AFL athletes. And, naturally, we need to navigate the complexities of broadcast rights and ensure it fits within our existing media agreements."

The AFL's broadcasting partners, Seven and Foxtel, will likely be key stakeholders in the decision-making process. A prime-time State of Origin game would undoubtedly attract a large television audience, but aligning the fixture with their existing programming schedules will require careful negotiation. Furthermore, the league will need to determine how to allocate players to each state, ensuring a fair and competitive balance. Criteria based on state of birth, junior football affiliation, or even a player draft system are all possibilities currently being discussed.

Another consideration is the potential for injury. A high-intensity, contested match so early in the season carries inherent risks. The AFL will need to implement robust injury prevention protocols and ensure players are adequately conditioned to participate. Insurance coverage will also be a crucial aspect of the planning process.

The AFL Players' Association (AFPA) has publicly welcomed the discussions, stating that their members see the potential benefits of a State of Origin game. AFPA CEO, Paul Marsh, commented, "Our players are passionate about representing their states and showcasing the talent within the AFL. We believe a pre-season Origin match could be a fantastic addition to the football calendar, provided player welfare is prioritised."

The league is expected to conduct a feasibility study in the coming weeks, examining the logistical, financial, and marketing implications of the proposal. A decision is anticipated before the end of the first quarter of 2026, with the potential for a trial game to be held in the pre-season of 2027. If successful, it could mark a significant step towards revitalizing a beloved tradition and injecting renewed excitement into the AFL pre-season.