COLLINGWOOD'S off-field team is starting to take shape, with Justin Longmuir leaving West Coast to join the Magpies as an assistant coach.
Longmuir has committed to join Nathan Buckley's team of lieutenants to oversee the backline and team defence.
The 36-year-old has been a senior assistant at West Coast under Adam Simpson, but was keen to explore a move as he seeks to take the next step in his coaching career.
Longmuir was one of four coaches selected as part of the second intake of the AFL's Level Four course and was promoted to a senior role with the Eagles at the end of last season.
He was the Eagles' forwards coach from 2011-16, working closely with key forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, and is seen as a senior coach in the making.
"I see this as a great opportunity to further my coaching career but more importantly to help Collingwood take the next step and achieve sustained success," Longmuir said.
"Playing a role in that as part of the coaching group is what really excites me."
The Magpies are searching for two assistants to replace departed midfield coach Scott Burns, who joined Hawthorn late last month.
Retired Western Bulldogs premiership hero Matthew Boyd joined Buckley's team earlier this month as a development coach.
The Pies have been in discussions with other potential line coaches who are still involved in finals, potentially delaying further appointments until next week or after the Grand Final.
Robert Harvey and Brenton Sanderson have been retained as assistants to Buckley.
The Magpies are looking for a new high-performance manager after parting with Bill Davoren last month following an extensive club review.
Longmuir played 139 games for Fremantle between 1999-2007 as a key forward and ruckman.
"Justin has been a valuable contributor to the West Coast Eagles over the last seven seasons," West Coast football manager Craig Vozzo said.
"We understand that as part of Justin's growth he needs to move on and he informed us this morning that he had accepted a position at Collingwood.
"I would like to thank Justin for his efforts at the club and he leaves with our best wishes."
