TV Blackbox
AFTER a 25-year hiatus, AFL Origin returned to the spotlight in 2026, drawing a packed crowd at Perth’s Optus Stadium and strong audiences across broadcast and streaming platforms.
Victoria edged out Western Australia in a thrilling state v state clash, with Seven reporting a combined reach of 1.98 million Australians via broadcast on Seven and streaming on 7plus.
The average total TV audience of 843,000 represented a 34 per cent increase on last year’s full-season average of 630,000, while streaming numbers exceeded 182,000, up 227 per cent on 2025’s season average and 41 per cent on the finals average.
Despite going head-to-head with Olympic coverage on Nine and airing primarily on Seven’s main channel in just two capitals, the event delivered a strong overnight outcome, highlighting the enduring appeal of state rivalries.
Seven’s Head of AFL and Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said the response confirmed the concept’s popularity and hinted at future growth.
“We look forward to working closely with the AFL again to build on this momentum and make it even bigger and better in 2027,” he said.
The 2026 fixture marked the first AFL Origin match since 1999 involving Victoria and South Australia, and the first since 1998 to feature Western Australia, reigniting a long-dormant rivalry.
Seven’s coverage featured Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw calling the action, alongside Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, and boundary commentator Nic Naitanui, reinforcing the event-status of the one-off clash.
Online, fan sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the match’s intensity and atmosphere.
After more than two decades away, AFL Origin is officially back, with 2027 already confirmed.
Fans and networks alike are now focused on how the AFL and Seven will refine the format in coming seasons.
