Coaches Consider the Melbourne Job
John Longmire and Adam Simpson, two former premiership coaches, have left the door open for potential interest in the vacant coaching position at Melbourne. This comes as Nathan Buckley, a Collingwood legend, has also expressed openness to returning to coaching if approached by the Demons. However, Longmire and Simpson have not been as forthcoming about their interest compared to other candidates.
Buckley, who previously led Collingwood from 2012 to 2021, has indicated he would be willing to take a call from Melbourne president Brad Green. He described the club as a compelling reason to consider a return to coaching. In contrast, Longmire and Simpson have not ruled out the possibility but have also not shown strong interest. They are currently focused on other roles, with Longmire working as the executive director of club performance at Sydney and Simpson serving as an analyst for SEN and Fox Footy.
Longmire emphasized that he has not given much thought to returning to coaching since leaving his role at Sydney last year. He has been enjoying time with his family and is content with his current responsibilities. “I just haven’t allowed myself to think about it because I’ve had other thoughts going on,” he said during an appearance on AFL 360. “I’m trying to be present with what’s happening in my life.”
Simpson, meanwhile, mentioned that he is in a different phase of his career compared to when he was actively seeking coaching opportunities. “Taking the phone call doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “I’m not assuming I’ll get one, and neither is Horse (Longmire). If it happens, then you go ‘OK, what’s really going on here?’”
Buckley, who is also being considered by the fledgling Tasmania Devils, confirmed he would be interested in discussing Melbourne’s plans with club officials. “The Melbourne prospect is quite compelling,” he said. “There is a lot that needs to settle, but there is a big club with a storied history and a young group of players.”
On the other hand, Essendon great James Hird has ruled himself out of the race. “No, I don’t think I would consider it,” Hird said. He had previously denied suggestions that he was interested in returning to Essendon as coach.
Buckley, 53, has expressed a genuine desire to return to coaching. “It’s there, otherwise it would be an easy no,” he said. He believes the opportunity at Melbourne could be significant, especially given the club’s history and potential for growth.
Jordan Lewis, a former Melbourne player and now a commentator, has suggested that Buckley would be his top choice for the job. The Demons are still finalising their coaching subcommittee, and the search for a new coach continues.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has all but ruled out pursuing a head coaching job next season. He plans to focus on his remaining weeks at Port Adelaide before deciding on his future. “I’m not going to think about it before Christmas,” Hinkley said. He is more focused on enjoying time with his family and taking a break from coaching.
As the coaching landscape evolves, several names remain in the running for the Melbourne job. With the right opportunity and circumstances, some of these experienced coaches may yet make a return to the AFL.