Overview
- The AFL confirmed Victoria will face Western Australia at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Garry Lyon was appointed chair of selectors for Victoria alongside coach Chris Scott, with Glen Jakovich partnering Western Australia coach Dean Cox.
- The fixture marks the first official State of Origin since 1999 and the first Victoria–WA Origin meeting since 1992.
- Lyon publicly endorsed West Coast young gun Harley Reid for Victoria, citing the developmental value of the camp and recalling Brent Harvey’s 1999 breakout.
- He said squad decisions will be collaborative, with reporting pointing to a strong Victorian pool featuring Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, Matt Rowell, Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw.