Carlton’s Shortlist for New AFL Coach
Carlton Football Club is actively seeking a new head coach following the departure of Michael Voss last month. The Blues have been evaluating potential candidates, with several names already appearing on their shortlist. Among them are John Longmire, Hayden Skipworth, and Daniel Giansiracusa.
Interim coach Josh Fraser has taken charge since Voss left and has performed admirably in his role. However, he has made it clear that he is not ready to take on the full-time position. This has prompted the club to look beyond its current coaching staff for a permanent replacement.
On SEN radio, journalist Sam Edmund revealed that John Longmire, a former Sydney Swans premiership winner, is among the names being considered. Alongside him are Hayden Skipworth, a Collingwood assistant, and Daniel Giansiracusa, who serves as an assistant at Hawthorn. According to Edmund, the club has not yet reached out to any of these potential candidates but has compiled a list of individuals they wish to speak with.
He added: “The group includes long-time assistant coaches currently in jobs like Hayden Skipworth and Daniel Giansiracusa and well-credentialled former coaches like John Longmire.”
The decision-making panel will consist of Carlton CEO Graham Wright, general manager of football Chris Davies, and president Rob Priestley. The club has stated that it will focus on individuals with demonstrated success, recent experience in elite environments, and a strong understanding of the responsibilities of a modern senior coach.
Hayden Skipworth and Daniel Giansiracusa in the Running
Hayden Skipworth has emerged as a strong contender for the position. Last month, Collingwood coach Craig McRae expressed confidence in Skipworth’s readiness for the role. He praised Skipworth’s strategic thinking and people management skills, noting that he “owns a room” and is highly organized.
McRae also highlighted Skipworth’s commitment to self-improvement, including his willingness to travel and learn from other coaching environments. While no one can ever be fully prepared for the role unless they’ve held it before, McRae believes Skipworth is as ready as he’ll ever be.
Skipworth was part of the Collingwood coaching team that won the 2023 AFL premiership. He was also in the running for the West Coast job in 2024 before it went to Andrew McQualter. Additionally, he interviewed for the Melbourne coaching position last year after Simon Goodwin left.
Daniel Giansiracusa, another name on the list, has also received positive feedback. Western Bulldogs boss Luke Beveridge, who previously worked with Giansiracusa, praised his strategy and leadership abilities. Giansiracusa’s experience as an assistant at Hawthorn has made him a valuable candidate for the role.
Next Steps for Carlton
While the club has not yet contacted any of the potential candidates, it is expected that discussions will begin soon. The final decision will rely heavily on the input of the coaching panel, which will assess each candidate based on their qualifications and suitability for the position.
As the search for a new head coach continues, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see who will take the helm at Princes Park. With a mix of experienced assistants and former coaches on the shortlist, the Blues are well-positioned to find the right leader for their future.
