AFL schedules South Australia State of Origin return for 2027

The Australian Football League (AFL) has officially scheduled South Australia’s return to State of Origin football. The “Croweaters” are set to face Western Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, 27 February 2027.

This fixture marks South Australia’s first State of Origin appearance since 1999 and the first battle between Western Australia and South Australia since 1998. The timing of the match is scheduled two weeks later than the 2026 fixture to accommodate the delayed start of the 2027 AFL Premiership season, which is affected by the 150th Anniversary Test match between Australia and England.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon noted the commercial and historical value of reigniting interstate rivalries, while Western Australian Premier Roger Cook highlighted that hosting the event supports the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2027 match also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the inaugural State of Origin match played in 1977.