AFL makes key State of Origin shift after club criticism
The AFL has revealed the date for 2027’s State of Origin game, which will once again be held in Western Australia, but this time with South Australia as their opponent.
The game will take place on February 27, two weeks later than 2026's version, after strong feedback from clubs.
Zak Butters and Tom Barrass get up close and personal in February. Getty Images
The revived concept was a hit, selling out Optus Stadium, but the injury toll from the fast-paced and intense game was also clear.
The match between Victoria and Western Australia was played at an incredible pace, as you would expect in a game with all the sport’s best players, but it put a heavy load on stars still in pre-season mode.
GWS star Sam Taylor, Adelaide’s Callum Ah Chee and Port Adelaide’s Mitch Georgiades all suffered hamstring injuries in the game, impacting their seasons.
Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell needed surgery on a broken finger while Carlton star Jacob Weitering suffered a fractured rib in the game.
The latter two were unfortunate, but the soft tissue injuries were of particular concern in the aftermath.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley stated after the game he believes Origin should be played mid-season, when players are match-hardened.
"To me it's more about the timing of the game. Are we a much better chance of protecting our players if that game sits in the middle of the year, if we have a unified bye," Kingsley said.
"I think our players are a lot more conditioned in that time of the year. It was a long game, it was an intense game – there was a lot of run in it. It was fantastic to watch.
"I just wonder whether or not the timing is in the middle of the year as opposed to February which is probably the highest risk month in the year, for all sorts of injuries."
The AFL always planned to keep the game in the pre-season, but has pushed it forward two weeks meaning players are closer to season-ready.
Other changes, including more players on the bench and shorter quarters, have yet to be ruled out.
For South Australia, it will be a return to State of Origin for the first time in 28 years and gives a whole new generation of players a chance to represent their state.
They will be led by the likes of Collingwood recruit Lachie Neale, Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson, St Kilda captain Callum Wilkie, Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee, Sydney star Brodie Grundy and St Kilda midfielder Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
They will not have Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett as he elected to represent Western Australia.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson would be the man most likely to skipper South Australia in Origin. Getty Images
Potential South Australia line-up
FB: Max Michalanney (Adelaide), Brennan Cox (Fremantle), John Noble (Gold Coast)
HB: Wayne Milera (Adelaide), Callum Wilkie (St Kilda), Will Day (Hawthorn)
C: Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide), Lachie Neale (Collingwood), Tom Sparrow (Melbourne)
HF: Jason Horne-Francis (Port Adelaide), Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide), Izak Rankine (Adelaide)
FF: Isaiah Dudley (Fremantle), Riley Thilthorpe (Adelaide), Kade Chandler (Melbourne)
Fol: Brodie Grundy (Sydney), Jordan Dawson (Adelaide), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda)
INT: Mason Redman (Essendon), George Hewett (Carlton), Jase Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Sam Draper (Brisbane), Will Hayward (Carlton), Beau McCreery (Collingwood), Rory Laird (Adelaide), Harrison Petty (Melbourne), Brayden Cook (Adelaide), Michael Frederick (Fremantle)
