Craig McRae has been named South Australia coach for AFL Origin 2027, with Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir to lead Western Australia when the states meet at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 27.
The Collingwood premiership coach will be South Australia’s first Origin coach since Graham Cornes in 1999, AFL.com.au reported.
McRae was chosen ahead of Adelaide coach and fellow South Australian Matthew Nicks, according to AFL.com.au. A former Glenelg player who started his career in the SANFL, the 53-year-old played in South Australia’s most recent Origin game in 1999, when Victoria won by 54 points at the MCG.
“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, 7NEWS reported. “I’m looking forward to helping build a South Australian team that represents the history our proud state has.”
Justin Longmuir steps up for WA
Longmuir replaces Sydney coach Dean Cox, who led Western Australia in this year’s Origin return, when Longmuir served as one of his assistants. Victoria beat WA 125-101 at Optus Stadium to win the 2026 trophy, AAP reported.
Read more: AFL Origin 2027 Quarters Cut to 18 Minutes After Injury Fallout
“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.
The 45-year-old was named the AFL Coaches Association coach of the year in 2026 after leading Fremantle to a record 19-win home-and-away season, which included a 14-game winning streak. The Dockers lost the Grand Final to Brisbane by seven points after leading by 17 with just over four minutes left, 7NEWS reported.
Who could play for South Australia?
McRae could be reunited with his Collingwood recruit Lachie Neale, AFL.com.au noted, with Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson, St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Port Adelaide pair Jason Horne-Francis and Connor Rozee, Hawthorn’s Will Day and Crows playmaker Izak Rankine among the contenders.
The first wave of players will be announced later in November, and both coaches will appoint two assistant coaches, a high-performance manager and a head of football. Players and staff arrive in Perth on Tuesday, February 23 for Origin week.
South Australia lead Western Australia 5-4 in their nine Origin meetings since 1980, and won the last one 143-107 in 1998, AFL.com.au reported. Under the rotating format, South Australia will host Victoria at Adelaide Oval in 2028.
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