Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae has been appointed as Senior Coach of South Australia in the 2027 AAMI AFL Origin match scheduled for February next year.
McRae will be joined by opposition coach Justin Longmuir who will lead Western Australia in a highly anticipated Origin clash at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 27 February.
The match will hold special significance for South Australian football, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the SANFL and marking 50 years since the first State of Origin contest was played.
A proud South Australian, McRae's football journey began at Glenelg before taking part in 318 AFL games – 195 as a player and 123 as senior coach. His connection to South Australian football has remained strong throughout his coaching career, making his appointment a fitting recognition ahead of the state's return to AFL Origin.
In 1999, McRae played in the last State of Origin match for South Australia against Victoria at the MCG where he kicked two goals.
Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have the opportunity to coach South Australia,”
"Growing up in SA, state football always carried enormous pride and significance, so to now have the chance to lead the state in an AFL Origin match is something I don't take lightly.
"The return of Origin has been great for football and I know there'll be a lot of excitement around this game for footy fans, particularly with the SANFL celebrating 150 years.
"We've got a proud football history in South Australia and I'm looking forward to helping bring that to life again next February alongside talented players, staff and coaches across the AFL."
Fellow South Australian and Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said:
"We're really proud to see ‘Fly’ receive this opportunity,”
“Across the industry, we welcome the AFL Origin for our supporters and the opportunity it provides to our players and coaches.
“For Fly and I, and anyone who grew up in SA in the 80s and 90s, we all have fond memories of the South Australia versus Victoria games at Footy Park. For Fly to be part of the resurgence of Origin is really special.
"Anyone who knows Fly knows how much South Australian football means to him. He's incredibly proud of his roots and has always spoken fondly about the role the state played in shaping his journey in the game.
"This is great recognition of the coach and person he is. He's earned respect across the football industry through the way he leads, cares for people and brings teams together.
"We know he'll embrace the opportunity and represent South Australia with great pride."
The 2027 AAMI AFL Origin match will see South Australia take on Western Australia at Optus Stadium on Saturday 27 February, with the game set to be broadcast nationally across the Seven Network, Foxtel, Kayo, 7plus and WatchAFL.
