AFL Origin: The Beginning
Location
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth / Boorloo
Dates
Tickets
Included in WA Museum Boola Bardip General Admission
AAMI AFL Origin returns in 2026, and to mark the occasion we are looking back to the opening bounce.
The inaugural State of Origin game was played in 1977 at Subiaco Oval, when Western Australia took on Victoria in a game designed to even interstate football. With players selected according to where they learned the game, the match epitomised state pride and delivered a famous win for WA on home turf.
As the national competition evolved, State of Origin gradually slipped off the fixture. Now, more than 25 years later, WA and Victoria meet again to reignite that long-standing rivalry.
Before the first bounce, we are winding back the clock to where it all kicked off, presenting a display of iconic memorabilia from the 1977 State of Origin, on Level 1 at Boola Bardip.
Kick it with WA Museum at the big game!
On game day, Saturday 14 February 2026, visitors can enjoy even more AFL sporting history by visiting the WA Museum in a Container at Optus Stadium.
AAMI AFL Origin Footy Festival is delivered with the support of the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.
Exhibition Partners
