The coaching contenders who could replace Simon Goodwin at Melbourne
The Melbourne Football Club is on the hunt for a new senior coach, having parted ways with Simon Goodwin, only the fourth premiership coach in the club’s history.
“This is a crucial appointment and one which will significantly shape the future of our club,” Demons president Brad Green said on Tuesday.
Here is a list of contenders that their coaching subcommittee may consider.
Ready to return: Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley will be a man of interest for the Demons.
Nathan Buckley
Collingwood coach 2012-21117 wins, 99 losses, two drawsThe man who guided the Magpies into the 2018 grand final – but departed through the 2021 season – is rested and ready to return to a senior role. Now a prominent commentator, Buckley’s mind remains sharp, and he has been sounded out by the new Tasmanian club. Will have learnt tremendously from his time at the Magpies. Former Demon Jordan Lewis says Buckley, 53, should be the Demons’ No.1 candidate.
John Longmire
Sydney coach 2011-24207 wins, 122 losses, three drawsMade the call to step down at Sydney after last year’s losing grand final. While he tasted the ultimate success in 2012, the Swans lost four grand finals under the former North Melbourne forward. The 54-year-old remains with the Swans as executive director of club performance. It’s unclear if he is prepared to move back to Melbourne or if he is ready to step back into the coaching furnace.
Ken Hinkley
Port Adelaide coach 2013-24171 wins, 116 lossesWas unable to win a premiership in his 13 seasons with the Power, but remains one of the more respected coaches of the modern era. At 58, Hinkley may want to take a break, or to step into a less pressured role at another club – should he want to remain in the game.
On the Demons’ radar: West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson in 2018.
Adam Simpson
West Coast coach 2014-24122 wins, 119 losses, one drawThe West Coast premiership coach had 11 years at the club before his departure last year. However, his final two seasons were dreadful, including a 16-game losing streak, and eight wins from his final 64 games. Has impressed as a commentator this year, his insights showing the sharp tactical and cultural mind he has.
James Hird
Essendon coach 2011-13, 201541 wins, 43 losses, one drawWill the Demons consider putting in a call to the Bombers’ great? Has not been an AFL senior coach since leaving Essendon in 2015, when the doping saga had destroyed the club. Had the support of club great and then board member Kevin Sheedy to return as coach in late 2022, but the Bombers plumped for Brad Scott. Had a stint as a GWS assistant coach in 2022, and is now an assistant with VFL side Port Melbourne. Is a respected voice on Nine’s Footy Classified and Footy Furnace.
James Hird enjoyed his time coaching with Greater Western Sydney in 2022.
Danny Daly
Has done just about every role at club land for 25 years. Has had stints at Collingwood, Richmond and North Melbourne, and has now been at Brisbane for 15 years. He began with the Lions as strategy coach under Justin Leppitsch, before emerging as Chris Fagan’s right-hand man, and now football department chief. Nudging 60, could he be the new Fagan, awarded the top job later in life? Has strong backing to be a senior coach – should he want to do it.
Daniel Giansiracusa
Was on Richmond’s shortlist before the Tigers chose Adem Yze. Has filled various roles at the Western Bulldogs, including leading their VFL program, and now Essendon, where he has broadened his skills outside of coaching. Was the AFL Coaches Association assistant coach of the year in 2020.
Hayden Skipworth
Was pipped at the post by Andrew McQualter for the vacant West Coast job last year. Has a resume that must win him a top job at some point. Is Craig McRae’s senior assistant, having earlier specialised in ball movement and stoppages (in the Pies’ 2023 premiership year), and takes charge of the program when McRae is away. Was a long-time development/assistant coach at Essendon, and built the club’s VFL program.
Ashley Hansen
Respected senior assistant to Michael Voss at Carlton, and has been forwards coach and in charge of strategy. A 2006 premiership player with West Coast, Hansen made a name for himself as a future senior coach when an assistant to Luke Beveridge, and also coached the Bulldogs to a VFL flag.
Likely candidate: Magpies assistant Hayden Skipworth appears ready to make the step up.
Jaymie Graham
Is also ready for the top job. Was one of the final candidates at Collingwood before the Magpies settled on McRae. Is a highly respected member of Justin Longmuir’s coaching crew, having been in charge of ball movement and the forward line. The former Eagle (37 games from 2005-08) has also been a development coach at St Kilda and assistant with West Coast, and a senior coach with WAFL side East Perth. Has a teaching degree.
Corey Enright
An assistant to Ross Lyon, the Cats premiership great is head of strategy and game plan. Is seen as a potential successor to Lyon.
Steven King
The Geelong assistant was on the Eagles’ shortlist last year, having been an interim senior coach at Gold Coast in 2024 when Stuart Dew was sacked. The former Geelong and St Kilda player said he felt his dream of becoming a senior coach was “close to a reality” before he met in Perth with the Eagles.
