AFL's plan for State of Origin made clear with grand final date change on the cards
Updated . First published at
The path back for State of Origin in the AFL appears to be clearer with plans to make a change to the grand final date.
Nine's Eddie McGuire revealed the plans on 9News Melbourne after rampant speculation through the year that Origin would make a return.
The plan is all part of a major revamp to the AFL's fixture, which will include ways to avoid clashes against rival codes and major events.
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McGuire said the plan is to move the 2026 and 2027 grand finals into the second week of October while Origin would start the season in March over two weekends.
Trent Cotchin playing for Victoria back in 2020. Getty
The grand final change would allow round one to be pushed back to "stop clashes with the Grand Prix at the start of the year", according to McGuire.
In 2026, the AFL also plans to have the pre-finals bye weekend fit into when the NFL is played, followed by the 100th year Test match anniversary between Australia and England.
"Most importantly, it gives players and fans a better start to the season and in the best conditions," McGuire said.
"It also means at the other end of the season, no clashes with rival codes for the three biggest games; the two preliminary finals and the grand final so the AFL would maximise ratings and commercial activity.
"There would also be a daylight savings grand final in October 2026 which could lead to a night grand final."
Later on Nine's Footy Classified, he added the plan for Origin would be to have Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Indigenous All-Stars in one division.
The other division would have Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
This would also feature a women's International rules match between Australia and Ireland.
Round one would also be revamped.
"All Victorian players play each other in Victoria, the Queensland and Sydney teams play at home while WA and South Australia teams would play each other, allowing their two showdowns and derbies to be played during the season," McGuire said.
