Key Players and Potential Moves
Could a Gold Coast gun be the key to unlock a multi-trade deal? Will a veteran Pie continue on in 2027? And who is Collingwood in the front of the queue for? These are just some of the questions that have been circulating in the media. Nathan Buckley has commented on his coaching aspirations as three clubs vie for a new senior coach. All that and more from the latest media buzz.
The Suns’ Trade Strategy
The Gold Coast Suns are desperate to retain Bailey Humphrey, as a host of Victorian clubs push for his services once again. But could trading Humphrey to the likes of Hawthorn or Melbourne unlock a potential move for Essendon’s Jordan Ridley? The Herald Sun is reporting that the Suns and Brisbane are interested in the Bombers defender, who has been plagued by injury in the past few years. Charlie Ballard is also another name to watch as he struggles to cement his spot on Damien Hardwick’s side.
Former Bomber Endorses Hird
“No offence to any of my other coaches, but he just brought me in and lifted me up,” Ex-Bomber Ben Hobbs told the Herald Sun. “Hirdy has given me so much confidence as a player.” Ben Hobbs struggled to make a meaningful impact during his four seasons at Essendon, playing 65 games after he was taken with Pick 2021. Delisted at the end of last year, Hobbs joined Port Melbourne Borough in the VFL, which has had an Essendon flavour to it over the past few years. James Hird and Dyson Heppell were part of the club last year, and Hobbs couldn’t have spoken higher of the former and his aspirations to return as an AFL senior coach.
“I was a player that was low on confidence after getting delisted, and Hirdy was all about the player I can be and how I can help the team,” Hobbs said. “I didn’t enjoy footy at all, and I didn’t even want to go (to training). For two to three months, I didn’t want to pick up the footy or even go for a run. But Hirdy and Macca (Brendan McCartney) have shown so much interest in how much I can still improve at a lower level, and I think I have become a better player at Port Melbourne.”
“Hirdy just gave me so much self-belief and confidence, and I think connection is the most important thing for a coach to have nowadays. His connection skills and his belief in his players, that is the really big thing I have noticed. He connects with all the players at Port Melbourne. So he has been great for me, and my footy is only getting better because of working with Hirdy and Macca. It’s a great mix.”
More Goals for Gunston
Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston is understood to be negotiating a new deal, with talks expected to ramp up during the club’s Round 14 bye. Gunston is in career-best form, kicking 85 goals in his past 24 outings, and warrants a discussion on extending his future. The 34-year-old has been the club’s spearhead forward, and is poised to earn a one-year deal, according to SEN.
Carlton Coaching Candidates List
John Longmire, Daniel Giansiracusa and Hayden Skipworth are among some names Carlton wants to speak to regarding the coaching vacancy. The Blues are on the hunt for a new coach after Michael Voss’ departure, and are understood to be more advanced in their search than Essendon and Tasmania. Longmire, Giansiracusa and Skipworth are among a group of options the Victorian club wants to discuss the role with, according to SEN. Charged with finding the new head honcho will be chief executive Graham Wright, president Rob Priestley, football boss Chris Davies and consultant Adam Simpson.
Pies Captain Jets Off to the States
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has been sent to USA to fix his soft-tissue problems. Moore has had four soft-tissue setbacks this year, bouncing between calf and hamstring issues. He will miss the next month of football and will use the trip to work on his problematic hamstring.
Buckley Not Ruling Out Other Coaching Jobs
Nathan Buckley has long been linked with the vacancy at Tasmania, but he hasn’t ruled out any other openings around the competition. Carlton and Essendon are on the hunt for a new coach, which Buckley responded to on Fox Footy’s On the Couch. “I’ve been very deliberate in getting back into coaching to prepare myself for a senior coaching opportunity,” Buckley said. “I’ve made no secret of the fact of what I’m preparing for or what role I’d wish to be in. But I don’t have that role, so I’ll look at different options. For now, I’m absolutely loving my role at Geelong and that environment, and I’m absolutely focused on getting the best out of that right now.”
Jonathan Brown Reflects on Brain Tumour
Brisbane premiership player Jonathan Brown has reflected on his brain tumour following his return to the screens. “It was just the nagging wife – and before you blow up at home, she’s got a saying now that ‘nagging wives save lives’,” Brown said with a smile on Fox Footy’s On The Couch. “I guess there’s probably always that doubt when you read all the headlines about head knocks over the journey. Anyway, I finally gave in to Kyles and I got a head scan. Obviously, the last thing I was expecting when I got the phone call that I had a brain tumour – but I had a brain tumour nonetheless. So I think that was the first for the AFL program, they don’t normally expect that. But fortunately enough, Gavin Davis – the surgeon, who’s a big Melbourne supporter – he was able to get it out and fortunately enough it wasn’t a serious tumour.”
Essendon Icon Bites Back at Hird Accusations
Matthew Lloyd has moved to clarify his position on premiership teammate James Hird’s potential return to coach Essendon. “I’ve just said that I think James should be able to be part of the process,” Lloyd said on Channel 9’s Footy Classified. “I’m not pro James, I’m not against James. I just want James to be part of the process. If they decide he’s not part of the process, so be it, because at the end of the day, I want Essendon to pick the best coach, too. I’ve never met Paul Little in my life. I’ve never had a drink of coffee in my life. I’m the least political person. So that is categorically wrong. To Tom Morris and to Kane Cornes, who put that out there, that’s factually incorrect.”
Pies Boss Planning Exit
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly is understood to be planning his exit from the club, which could come at season’s end. Kelly is currently in his fourth season at the Pies after taking over ahead of the 2023 season from Graham Wright.
Media Personality Garry Lyon Believes Kelly Could Begin Gunning for the Presidency Position
“100%, I’m telling you. He never looked upon it as a massive career as the CEO of the Collingwood Football Club,” Lyon said on SEN. “In fact, if I had to have a bet, I think his great wish would be to end up being President of the Collingwood Football Club. There’s no secret about that. I’m telling you, the plan would be for him to exit his way out as a CEO, which is what we’re talking about here, and then, at some stage because of his great love for the Collingwood Football Club … I think he’d like to oversee it, and he’d like to oversee it from the President’s position.”
Player Movement Hits Fever Pitch
According to a report on SEN, Collingwood could be at the front of the queue for Gold Coast’s Jed Walter. Zach Merrett is understood to be keen to join Hawthorn, while Steele Sidebottom has been tipped to play on in 2027.
