Adam Simpson, the West Coast premiership coach, is set to play a pivotal role in selecting the next coach for Carlton. He will be part of a subcommittee tasked with finding a successor to Michael Voss, who left the club after just nine games into the season.
Simpson, who has been acting as a consultant to the Blues this year, will join a panel that includes chief executive Graham Wright, football boss Chris Davies, and president Rob Priestley. A senior club source confirmed the composition of the group, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of the team.
In addition to Simpson, club great and dual Brownlow medallist Greg Williams will serve as a consultant to the panel. Williams, who holds a paid, part-time role in the football department, brings his expertise as a football expert on the board. His involvement is expected to add depth and insight to the selection process.
The club is also considering the input of a psychologist to ensure a well-rounded approach in choosing a replacement for Voss. This reflects the importance of mental and emotional factors in the decision-making process.
Caretaker coach Josh Fraser has ruled himself out as a candidate, leaving the panel to explore other options. Wright, who previously held the role of head of football at Collingwood, was instrumental in the appointment of premiership coach Craig McRae. His experience in such decisions makes him a valuable member of the subcommittee.
Wright had initially approached Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, whom he knew from their time together at the Hawks. This move helped fast-track the transition from four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson at the Hawks.
Simpson’s involvement in the subcommittee clearly rules him out as a potential candidate for the Carlton coaching role. It also makes him an unlikely contender for the vacant Essendon position. Recently, Simpson cast doubt on the Bombers’ coaching process after James Hird declared his interest in the role.
“What are they doing? It will be a one-man process at the moment. I can’t see anyone going for this job,” Simpson said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360. He also expressed reservations about putting himself forward for the Carlton job, given his mentorship of Voss before his departure.
Later, on Thursday evening, Priestley sent a letter to Carlton members confirming the panel’s formation. The message emphasized the importance of an objective view in the coaching process.
“Graham and Chris continue to lead the transformation of our football department, and we were clear that for this coaching process to be as effective and thorough as possible, an objective view is required,” he said.
“Adam’s perspective comes from his own experience as a 10-year, premiership-winning coach, and a decorated playing career of more than 300 AFL games and two premierships with North Melbourne. This now ensures the process to appoint our next AFL senior coach will be guided by experienced and contemporary football insights, with three of the most well-credentialed football people in the AFL industry focused on the task.”
“This process will be done in the same manner as we have approached other critical decisions relating to our club’s transition period – with calmness, rational thinking and a Carlton-first mindset.”
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