Chris Scott will coach Victoria against a West Australian side coached by Dean Cox in the AFL's first State of Origin game in almost 27 years.
The two coaches were announced on Tuesday ahead of the Origin game to be played in Perth on February 14 next year.
The AFL's last Origin fixture was in May 1999 when Victoria defeated South Australia at the MCG.
Melbourne-born Scott, who has coached Geelong since 2011, and WA-born Cox, who took over as Sydney's head coach for the 2025 season, will select teams based on where the players were drafted from to the AFL, rather than birthplace.
"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 in a statement on Tuesday.
"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 up to Victoria.
"I love the fact the concept is back and I can't wait for the game."
Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking said Scott's appointment was just reward for his "remarkable record as a coach".
"It's great to see him recognised with the honour," 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."
Scott and Cox will each soon choose three assistant coaches and a high-performance manager for their squads.
Respective selection committees, led by a chairman of selectors, will be announced shortly, the AFL said.
