Countdown begins as AFL locks in Origin date for 2027 clash between South Australia and Western Australia

South Australia’s 28-year wait for Origin footy has just 130 days left with the AFL confirming February 27 as the date the Croweaters will face Western Australia.

The rebooted state game will be held in Perth for a second straight year after the success of Victoria’s win at Optus Stadium earlier this year.

The match will start at 4.40pm local time, 7.10pm ACDT, and 7.40pm AEDT.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Lachie Neale, Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine, Jason Horne-Francis, Riley Thilthorpe, Will Day, Connor Rozee and Brodie Grundy headline what will be a stacked SA team if everyone is available.

With the AFL season next year being pushed back because of the Australian men’s cricket team’s 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG, the Origin game is two weeks later than it was this year.

The AFL confirmed the upcoming three Origin fixtures in July, with South Australia to play Victoria in 2028 before it goes back to Western Australia and Victoria in 2029.

Next year’s clash with mark 50 years since the inaugural Origin match in 1977, while it also fittingly lands on the 150th anniversary of the SANFL.

“We are thrilled to officially confirm a date for AAMI AFL Origin in 2027, with Western Australia and South Australia set to reignite one of football’s greatest rivalries next February,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said on Wednesday.

“Optus Stadium provided an incredible stage for AFL Origin’s return earlier this year and we look forward to continuing to build on that momentum as we prepare for a meeting of two proud football states in Perth.

“We know football fans around the country will embrace the opportunity to celebrate the history, rivalry and unique spectacle that is AFL Origin.

“Thank you to Premier Roger Cook and the Western Australian Government for their support in delivering one of the highlights of the football calendar.”

New provisions are set to be brought in next year to further mitigate the risk of injury after several stars went down during or as a result of this year’s game when Victoria beat WA in front of 58,141 fans at Optus Stadium.

Carlton star Jacob Weitering (fractured rib), GWS defender Sam Taylor (hamstring), Gold Coast’s Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell (broken finger), Adelaide recruit Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) and Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades (hamstring) were all worse for wear after that game, while Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage struggled with soft tissue problems for much of the year.

“Look, the clubs have been amazing and so have the players, obviously,” Dillon said in July.

“But I think we know, unfortunately, that injuries are part of AFL football and they can happen at any time.