Dean Cox and Chris Scott will coach Western Australia and Victoria respectively in next year’s AFL Origin match.

The AFL on Tuesday confirmed Cox and Scott as Origin coaches when the format returns on Saturday, February 14 in Perth at Optus Stadium.

Each coach and their selection committee, led by a chairman of selectors to be named soon, will pick their respective sides from the best available players.

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A player’s eligibility will be based on the location of the junior club from where they were drafted.

Player announcements are set to begin next month.

The two senior coaches will also select three assistant coaches and a high-performance manager each.

Dean Cox and Chris Scott will coach in the AFL Origin match.Source: FOX SPORTS

Originally from Dampier in WA, Cox, coming off his first season as Sydney coach, is an Eagles great and widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever ruckmen.

The six-time All-Australian and 2006 premiership player’s 290 games for West Coast rank second in club history.

“I’m a proud Western Australian and grew up watching State of Origin footy, so this is a real privilege to lead the team in February against the Vics,” Cox said.

“We have a very strong contingent of WA boys playing at the top level so it’s not going to be easy to pick a side, but we feel we will take it right it right up to Victoria.

“I love the fact the concept is back, and I can’t wait for the game.”

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Scott, who grew up in Melbourne, was part of Brisbane’s dynasty teams in the early 2000s and has built a reputation as one of the best coaches of the modern era.

He won two premierships for the Lions and has coached Geelong to two flags in 2011 and 2022.

Scott has twice been named the All-Australian coach and led Australia in the 2017 International Rules Series against Ireland.

“Chris’ remarkable record as a coach speaks for itself, and it is great to see him recognised with the honour of coaching the Victorian team in the return of State of Origin football,” Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said.

“As a club, we’re excited to see State of Origin return to the football calendar in its new form, and look forward to seeing some of the best football talent in the country gathered for the game.”

It’ll mark the first time AFL Origin has been played since 1999.