The anticipation is building as Perth prepares to host the highly awaited AAMI AFL Origin match on February 14, 2026. This event marks the return of AFL Origin after a hiatus of over 26 years, bringing together top players from Western Australia and Victoria for a showcase of elite Australian Rules football.
The matchday player jumper for Team WA has been designed and produced locally by Burley Sekem Bassendean. It prominently features the iconic black swan, a symbol of Western Australia, set against a gold and black backdrop. This design pays homage to past AFL Origin jumpers and highlights the Cook Government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and jobs in the region.
Victoria’s matchday jumper, crafted by New Balance, honors the state’s rich football legacy with the classic ‘Big V’ emblem displayed on a traditional blue and white design. In addition to the new jumpers, several key players have been announced for both teams. Kysaiah Pickett, Luke Jackson, and Liam Baker will represent WA, while Victoria’s lineup includes Max Gawn, Toby Greene, and Tom Stewart.
The event is supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, emphasizing its significance in promoting local tourism and economic growth. The AFL Origin game will take place at the world-class Optus Stadium, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators from across the country.
Government Support for Local Economy
According to Reece Whitby, the Minister for Tourism, this event signifies a historic moment for Western Australia. “For the first time since 1999, Western Australia’s top footy players will don the iconic black swan jumper for the highly anticipated return of AFL Origin,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of the event in enhancing the state’s profile and boosting local businesses.
Whitby noted that the introduction of new talent like Luke Jackson and Max Gawn adds excitement to the fixture. The government aims to draw significant interstate visitors, which will provide a boost to the local economy and create jobs. He expressed enthusiasm for welcoming fans from around Australia as February approaches.
The Sport and Recreation Minister, Rita Saffioti, also commented on the significance of the event. “It will be the iconic Swan taking on the Big V when WA’s best line up against Victoria in next year’s AFL Origin clash,” she said. Saffioti revealed that over 40,000 tickets have already been sold, indicating strong interest and underscoring the event’s potential to significantly benefit local tourism and hospitality sectors.
In addition to AFL Origin, Perth is set to host an action-packed summer of sports, including the United Cup, HoopsFest, and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Saffioti emphasized that these events contribute millions to the local economy and help create jobs while fostering community engagement.
As preparations continue for this monumental clash, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets through the official AFL website at afl.com.au/origin. The AFL Origin match promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the best of Australian football while promoting the vibrant culture and community spirit of Western Australia.
