Coaches Consider Returning to the Melbourne Demons
John Longmire and Adam Simpson, two former premiership coaches, have left the door open for potential interest from the Melbourne Demons as they search for a new coach following Simon Goodwin’s departure. While Nathan Buckley, the former Collingwood coach, has expressed openness to returning to coaching, Longmire and Simpson have taken a more cautious approach.
Buckley, who led Collingwood into the 2018 Grand Final, confirmed he would be willing to speak with Melbourne president Brad Green about the opportunity. He described the Demons as a compelling option for a return to coaching, but emphasized that any decision would require careful consideration.
Longmire, currently working as the executive director of club performance at Sydney, has not ruled out the possibility of coaching again but has not given much thought to it since leaving his role at the Swans. He has been enjoying his time in the media and spending more time with his family.
“I’ve just tried to be a bit more present this year,” Longmire said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program. “I’m loving what I’m doing now, and I’m staying present in that. If that changes, well, I need to have a think about it at some point.”
Simpson, meanwhile, has found success as an analyst for SEN and Fox Footy. He acknowledged that while the idea of returning to coaching is not off the table, he is not actively seeking a position.
“I’m having a glass of red tonight when I get back to my hotel room, I’m meeting a few mates for lunch tomorrow,” Simpson said. “Taking the phone call doesn’t mean anything. I’m not assuming I’m going to get a phone call, and Horse (Longmire) is not doing the same thing.”
Buckley also mentioned that he would consider the Melbourne job if the right opportunity presented itself. However, he emphasized that he needs to feel confident that the move would align with his personal and professional goals.
“I would take the call and I would have the chat, but there still would have to be a lot that would have to fall into place for me to leave this position of comfort that I have discovered,” Buckley said.
Other names in the running for the Melbourne job include Essendon great James Hird, who has ruled himself out of the race. Hird said he was flattered by the suggestion but does not see himself returning to coaching.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has all but ruled out pursuing a head coaching job next season. He plans to focus on his current role with the Power before making any decisions about his future.
“I’m not going to think about it before Christmas,” Hinkley said. “I am going to reset, refresh, do some things with my family, really enjoy things that I haven’t been able to enjoy for a little period of time and then think about what is next.”
Jordan Lewis, a former Melbourne player and current commentator, has suggested that Buckley would be his top choice for the Demons’ coaching position. As the club continues to finalise its coaching subcommittee, the search for a new leader remains ongoing.
Buckley believes the Demons have the potential to improve quickly, citing their recent performances and the talent within the squad. He also praised the young players on the team and their ability to grow under the right guidance.
As the coaching landscape continues to evolve, the Melbourne Demons are looking for a leader who can bring stability and a clear vision for the future. With several high-profile names in the mix, the decision will likely come down to who is ready to take on the challenge and make a meaningful impact.