AFL wants to emulate State of Origin blockbuster in Perth. But the entire concept could cause 'uproar'

The AFL is reportedly edging closer to locking in the return of its own State of Origin product in Perth next year, news that has dropped less than 24 hours after the NRL stormed the city.

The Age has reported that the West Australian government is keen to host the marquee AFL event, which will likely be held in February of 2026.

The likely fixture would see Western Australia host Victoria in a blockbuster match-up of the two strongest talent pools.

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It comes following the NRL's hosting of game two of its Origin series in Perth on Wednesday night.

The NRL is clearly making moves into WA, set to launch expansion team the Perth Bears in 2027.

They are, however, meeting some resistance on that front with the Kerry Stokes-owned Seven West Media making as little noise about the NRL event as they can seemingly get away with.

The back page of The West Australian on Thursday read: "One bunch of east coasters beat another at rugby in Perth last night", in a tiny white box. Calling rugby league "rugby" is a classic way of getting under the skin of any fan of the 13-player code.

A story about West Coast captain Oscar Allen took precedence on the back page, as he looks set to depart in free agency.

In the lead up to the game, the newspaper referred to Thursday night's AFL clash between Fremantle and Essendon as State of Origin returning to Perth.

There was also no mention of the NRL's blockbuster event in Tuesday night's Perth news bulletin on Seven - the free-to-air broadcast partner of the AFL.

Unquestionably, if the AFL was to hold its own version of the event that the NRL has built into a colossus in Perth, it would be the biggest story in town.

Parochialism would run high seeing the WA side run out, led by the likes of Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan, Freo star Shai Bolton and Sydney midfielder Chad Warner.

The classic cries of Victorian bias within the AFL will be screamed from rooftops and the local media will drive that narrative - frankly, as it should, if they want to drum up any tension.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Chris Dore, the editor of The West Australian, said rugby league is a second-tier sport in the state, defending their minimalistic coverage.

"Mate, the obsession with how The West covers league is ludicrous," Dore said.

"Rugby league is simply not a mainstream sport in this town."

A crowd of 57,023 fans attended Origin at Optus Stadium in the driving rain, just below the 62,000 max capacity, but higher than any AFL game so far in 2025, including the Fremantle/West Coast derby, which drew just over 53,000 fans.

Only the Socceroos versus Japan World Cup qualifier has brought more fans to the venue so far in 2025.

The 2021 AFL grand final drew 61,118 to Optus Stadium, when Perth was given the rights to host the event during the COVID pandemic.

Clearly, the state government has a different view of the NRL than the local media, given their hosting of the event and the looming addition of the Bears.

The Dolphins and Knights will play in Perth on Saturday as well. A well timed fixture given West Coast is on its bye and Fremantle plays on Thursday night.

The AFL is certainly keen for its piece of the Origin pie, with chief Andrew Dillon particularly excited to reinvent the idea.

According to The Age, he hoped to discuss the concept with the state government during a visit last week. A decision will likely be made in the coming months.

They haven't held a true state versus state battle since 1999, though the 'Big V' has rolled out against 'The Allies' in exhibition games as recently as 2020's bushfire relief match.

Wednesday's Origin game two in Perth was a classic, with New South Wales making a late charge and nearly overcoming a 20-point deficit. Queensland ultimately held on.

It was a hard-hitting, tense affair in driving rain in front of a full crowd, while those on the east coast rode every bump.

The AFL simply couldn't replicate this intensity in its own Origin format for a multitude of reasons.

First and foremost is the stakes. While there will be some parochial bragging rights, it's hard to imagine many in Victoria being particularly moved regardless of the result, even if they tune in in droves to watch.

It's hard to imagine any combination of players from any state in Australia coming within 10 goals of a full strength Victorian line-up.

A pre-season exhibition game in February will be a fun spectacle and will scratch the itch, but it will be an afterthought once the actual season is underway.

As a truly national sport, the AFL will also have a tougher job keeping everyone happy and engaged with State of Origin. South Australia in particular will want its turn.

The AFL is built solely around the pursuit of a top eight finish and winning premierships and anything beyond that is secondary (or lower).

Watch the uproar if a player suffers a major injury during the game. The concept will likely find itself back in the too hard basket.

And that affected team will spend the year cursing State of Origin footy.