The 2027 cast of Australian Survivor has been revealed, and former football stars Heath Shaw and Adam Cooney will take their skills to the screen.
The new 'Rivals' theme will play into the hatred between Collingwood and Essendon, both of which Shaw and Cooney played for during their glittering careers.
Shaw was drafted by the Pies as a father-son prospect in 2003, and played 10 seasons in the black and white.
The hard-running defender featured in 173 games and was a crucial part of the club's 2010 premiership success.
Shaw sought a trade to GWS at the end of 2013 and added another 152 games in the expansion club's colours, taking his total to 325.
He was also a dual All-Australian and Kevin Sheedy medallist.
Cooney was taken in the same draft, but with Pick 1 by the Western Bulldogs following the AFL's decision to hand them a priority pick.
The South Australian midfielder had impressive burst and speed from stoppage, which resulted in a surprise Brownlow Medal in 2008, narrowly pipping Brisbane's Simon Black and reigning 'Charlie' winner Gary Ablett as well as Matthew Richardson.
Cooney played 219 games for the Bulldogs but could never advance beyond preliminary final weekend.
At the end of 2014, Essendon came calling in desperate need of players following the 34 who were stood down due to the drug saga.
Cooney added another 31 games in the red and black.
Australian Survivor isn't the only reality TV show the 40-year-old has participated in, competing on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The two also have some history, with Cooney having previously named Shaw among his AFL “villains of the decade”, adding another layer to a rivalry that already comes with plenty of history.
Other sports stars joining the show are former Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper and NRL great Robbie Farah, as well as Olympians Kerri Pottharst (Summer Olympics) and Danielle Scott (Winter Olympics), Netballer Sharni Layton and footballer Sarah Yatim.
