State of Origin matches were last regularly played in 1999, with only sporadic games occurring in 2008 and 2020 for special events.

The last State of Origin match occurred in 1999, when Victoria faced South Australia, marking a significant hiatus for this format in AFL history.

The recent All Stars match drew nearly 38,000 fans at Optus Stadium, demonstrating a strong interest in representative football among players and fans alike.

Dillon aims to incorporate an All Stars fixture into the 2026 schedule and plans to finalize next year's schedule by mid-2025.

Following the successful Indigenous All Stars match on February 17, 2025, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon is contemplating the revival of State of Origin matches.

The league is looking to host Indigenous All Stars games possibly on a biennial basis, with representative football planned for alternating years.

He stated, 'I can’t rule it in, I can’t rule it out,' highlighting the need for further discussions with players and clubs regarding the future of State of Origin.

Dillon confirmed that the Indigenous All Stars will return regularly, although the exact frequency is still under consideration.

The AFL is committed to continuing the Indigenous All Stars event, whether it occurs annually or biennially, while also exploring other representative football formats.

Dillon noted a growing enthusiasm among players and clubs for the return of State of Origin, potentially scheduling it for mid-February 2026, a quieter period in the Australian sports calendar.

Coaches from various clubs, including Xavier Clarke and Simon Goodwin, actively participated in mentoring the All Stars, showcasing collaborative efforts within the league.

Dillon emphasized the importance of exploring alternative representative football formats alongside the Indigenous All Stars, ensuring a diverse approach to the league's future.