AFL to Tap Longmuir for 2027 Origin Clash
Justin Longmuir is set to coach Western Australia in the February 2027 match against South Australia.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
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The AFL has approached Justin Longmuir to lead the Western Australia team for the Origin clash scheduled for 27 February 2027 at Optus Stadium. Craig McRae is also expected to take the helm for the South Australian side.
Why it matters
The AFL is implementing a rotation system for senior coaches to lead state representative squads during these marquee exhibition matches.
The 2027 Origin game will be held at Optus Stadium, following previous matches involving Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. The AFL plans to rotate senior coach roles, contrasting with past appointments like Dean Cox and Chris Scott.
The players
Justin Longmuir
He is the current coach of the Fremantle Football Club and was drafted to the same club in 1998.
Craig McRae
He is the professional head coach currently positioned to lead the South Australian representative team.
Dean Cox
He is a former professional player who served as the coach for the Western Australian team during the previous Origin clash.
Chris Scott
He is a prominent AFL coach who directed the Victorian representative team in the prior Origin match.
The details
Justin Longmuir, who previously coached Fremantle in a Grand Final against Brisbane, has been targeted by league officials for the upcoming state-versus-state representative match. The event will showcase talent from Western Australia and South Australia.
Timeline
Justin Longmuir was drafted to Fremantle in 1998.
The AFL is expected to confirm coaching appointments in November 2026.
The Origin clash is set for 27 February 2027 at Optus Stadium.
The 2028 AFL Origin game is slated to take place at Adelaide Oval.
Season Trajectory
This coaching selection for the 2027 Origin clash follows the established pattern of the AFL State of Origin exhibition match series. By rotating senior leadership, the league seeks to maintain interest in these representative games outside of the standard premiership season.
The selection of sitting senior coaches suggests the AFL aims to maintain high competitive standards for the 2027 representative matchup. Fans can anticipate that the coaching styles and tactical philosophies employed by Longmuir and McRae will dictate the gameplay at Optus Stadium.
The takeaway
The move to rotate senior AFL coaches for Origin games adds a layer of professional intensity to representative football. Spectators should monitor the November announcements to see if these high-profile coaching assignments drive increased player participation for the 2027 match.
What happens next
The AFL is scheduled to formally confirm these coaching appointments in November 2026, followed by the Origin match on 27 February 2027.
Further reading
For more information on league developments, visit the Football section.
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