But, before the big day, we are rewinding the tape, relacing our boots and diving headfirst into the history of AFL Origin; looking all the way back to the opening bounce that kicked off one of footy’s fiercest rivalries.
Whether you bleed navy or gold there’s plenty to get around.
Back to where it all kicked off
From Thursday 5 – Friday 20 February, WA Museum Boola Bardip is playing host to AFL Origin: The Beginning, a showcase spotlighting the very first State of Origin clash.
In 1977 Western Australia took on Victoria at Subiaco Oval, in a game designed to even interstate football. Players were selected based on where they learned their footy, not who they were contracted to, and the resulting match delivered a famous win for WA on home turf.
Games involving the other states soon followed, evoking state pride in the game like never before. However, 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 and, hopefully, repeat history!
Get amped up before the game with a visit to Level 1 of Boola Bardip where you will see a display of iconic memorabilia from the inaugural 1977 match.
Kick it with the Museum at the big game
When match day rolls around, we’re taking footy history straight into the heart of the action. On Saturday 14 February, fans can huddle at the WA Museum in a Container at Optus stadium.
Whether you’re killing time before the first bounce or soaking up the electric atmosphere of Footy Fest, we’re here to help build that excitement and get you closer to some of the game’s greatest stories.
Find out what else is on on the AFL website.
AAMI AFL Origin Footy Festival is delivered with the support of the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.
