Collingwood premiership coach Craig McRae and Fremantle's Justin Longmuir will coach in the 2027 AFL Origin clash next year, leading South Australia and Western Australia as the two states battle at Optus Stadium.
South Australia has returned to the concept after missing this year's contest, replacing Victoria as WA's opponent.
McRae has long been linked with the role, as he was born in SA, recruited from Glenelg in the 1993 pre-season draft by the Brisbane Bears.
He played 195 senior matches, including the three premierships for the Lions.
McRae began coaching in 2007 at Richmond, and held roles at Brisbane, Collingwood and Hawthorn, before ultimately landing the top job at the Pies.
He also represented South Australia in the 1999 famous AFL Origin game.
“To have the opportunity to coach South Australia is an enormous honour and I am incredibly proud of the role South Australian football has played in giving me my start in the game," McRae said.
“We saw earlier this year the role State football plays in our game and its rich tradition, and I'm looking forward to helping build a South Australian team that represents the history our proud state has.”
Longmuir was recruited by the Dockers from West Perth in 1998, playing 139 games and kicking 166 goals.
He coached at West Coast and Collingwood before taking the Dockers job ahead of the 2020 season.
Longmuir has led the club to three finals campaigns, including the 2026 Grand Final.
He was an assistant to Dean Cox for WA in the return AFL Origin clash.
“Western Australia has a proud football history and the rivalry with South Australia has produced some memorable contests in the past. To be part of renewing that rivalry at Optus Stadium next February is very exciting," Longmuir said.
“After being involved earlier this year for the return of AAMI AFL Origin, to now lead the state that I have spent most of my playing and coaching career means a great deal to me and I can't wait to select a team that reflects the quality of Western Australian football and a team that will put on a great show in front of a sold-out Optus Stadium.”
The two senior coaches will each appoint two assistant coaches, a high-performance manager and a head of football ahead of the match.
Each coach and their selection committee, led by chair of selectors Glen Jakovich (Western Australia) and Mark Ricciuto (South Australia), will select the best available players eligible to represent their respective states.
Player announcements will begin in the coming weeks, as tickets for the highly anticipated match go on sale from Wednesday, December 2.
The 2027 match will mark 50 years since the first Australian Rules Football State of Origin match played between Western Australia and Victoria at Subiaco Oval in 1977 and also celebrate 150 years of the SANFL.
2027 AAMI AFL Origin
Western Australia v South Australia
Saturday 27 February, 2027
4.40pm (local time)
Optus Stadium, Perth
