Seven delivers ratings win in WA with AFL Origin – WA audience surges 132% above 2025 regular season average.
The 2026 AFL season coverage has launched in spectacular fashion, with the highly anticipated return of AFL Origin reaching 367,000 West Australians across Seven and 7plus Sport on Saturday night.
The sold-out clash at Optus Stadium, had West Australians on the edge of their seats, as a late surge took them within 24 points of the title.
The match delivered a total TV audience of 173,000 in WA, which was 132% higher than the 2025 regular AFL season average and 29% higher than the Finals average.
More than 43,000 viewers streamed the game on 7plus Sport, up 682% on the 2025 season average, and the highest streaming audience for a match other than last year’s AFL Grand Final in WA.
Broadcast nationally across Seven, 7mate and 7plus, AFL Origin delivered massive audiences across the country, with the match reaching more than 1.98 million Australians and recording a total TV average audience of 843,000, outperforming the regular 2025 AFL season by 51%.
Seven’s line-up featured Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw calling the action, alongside expert commentary from Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Abbey Holmes with 7NEWS Sports presenter Ryan Daniels and West Australian favourite Nic Naitanui boundary side.
Optus Stadium was a hive of activity in the days leading up to the main event. Festivities began on Thursday night, with a live broadcast of Origin Countdown, building momentum into Friday’s Origin Footy Fest, which drew thousands of fans to watch their teams train inside the stadium.
Outside, Seven’s fan zone was the ultimate pre-game destination, screening classic Origin moments on the big screen ahead of the live and free match broadcast, complete with free popcorn, face painting and kids’ activities.
Seven West Media WA Chief Executive Officer, Maryna Fewster, said:
“AFL Origin’s return was extraordinary and a proud moment for Western Australia.
“Big sporting moments like this unite our community in a way few things can – and across Seven, The West Australian, PerthNow and Triple M, our teams worked together to bring that pride and passion to audiences right across the country. It demonstrates the strength of our platforms and our deep connection to WA.”
The 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season begins on Thursday 5 March, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central AFL content HERE
Seven delivers ratings win in WA with AFL Origin
