MELBOURNE’S Trent Rivers will represent Western Australia in the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match next year.

The game will be played on Saturday 14 February at Optus Stadium and is the first time in more than 25 years that the state-based rivalry has returned to the league, having last been played in 1999 when Victoria played South Australia at the MCG.

Originally drafted to Melbourne from Perth, Rivers will be joining his teammate Kysaiah Pickett, who was also announced as a representative for Western Australia last week.

The Demon defender is the third player from Melbourne announced to play in the Origin match, with Max Gawn set to represent Victoria.

The 2026 AFL Origin game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox, as well as 7Plus and Kayo streaming platforms, with all event information found at Origin.AFL.