- Indigenous All Stars AFL game was a huge success
- Took on Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium in Perth
- AFL CEO now looking at re-introducing State of Origin
- Last played in 1999 between Victoria and South Australia
AFL boss Andrew Dillon is expected to raise the prospect of State of Origin fixtures to players and coaches for 2026 following the runaway success of the Indigenous All Stars match in Perth.
Dillon said the significant buy-in allowed the All Stars match at Optus Stadium on February 15 to thrive – and he has ‘absolutely committed’ to the showpiece in future years.
But if the Indigenous All Stars don’t want to play annually, Dillon would like to explore the possibility of bringing back AFL State of Origin.
The last interstate match between Victoria and South Australia was in 1999.
In contrast, it is rugby league’s showpiece event each year across three games when NSW tackle Queensland.
‘We are absolutely committed to Indigenous All Stars, whether that’s every year or every couple of years, that’s the bit we’ve got to work through,’ Dillon said.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon (pictured, right) is expected to raise the prospect of State of Origin fixtures to players and coaches for 2026 and beyond following the runaway success of the Indigenous All Stars match in Perth
Dillon said the significant buy-in allowed the match on February 15 to thrive (pictured, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the All Stars in action)
Kysaiah Pickett (pictured, left, front) of the Indigenous All Stars performs a war cry ahead of the clash with Fremantle
The last AFL interstate match between Victoria and South Australia was in 1999 – in stark contrast, it is rugby league’s showpiece event each year when NSW tackle Queensland (pictured, Blues stars Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary)
‘In the other years I think that’s where you could look at other types of representative football, whether it’s State of Origin or All Stars, they are the things we need to discuss.
‘The player buy-in is what’s really important….you see representative football at its best when the players are highly engaged.
‘Just like the All Stars were on the weekend…..and also a shout out to Fremantle for how they embraced the concept as well.’
Dillon is adamant collective enthusiasm for State of Origin won’t be an issue.
‘Because the players were so keen to play for the All Stars, I think that put the clubs in the position,’ he said.
‘I think they’ve (clubs) seen how the players embraced it what they (players) got out of it, how much it meant to the players and that’s when the clubs got behind it.’
Dillon isn’t exactly sure when State of Origin could be added to the AFL calendar – but wouldn’t rule out as early as 2026.
‘It will certainly be a conversation I would like to have,’ he said.
‘Finding the right time is important, people are keen for footy [to get started].
‘I wouldn’t rule it in…but wouldn’t rule it out.’
