‘Modern game’ looms large over who coaches North next
Roger Vaughan and Anna Harrington |
John Longmire notes the AFL’s oldest coach has no problems keeping pace with the modern game.
Those two words – modern game – were a key reason for North Melbourne sacking Alastair Clarkson, and they will loom large over the Kangaroos’ search for his successor as senior coach.
Longmire and fellow premiership coach Adam Simpson are seen as obvious contenders.
They were at pains on Wednesday night to distance themselves from the speculation, given it was only hours after Clarkson’s sacking.
But Longmire noted that age is but a number when it comes to coaching success.
At 65, Chris Fagan is the grandfather going for his third straight premiership at Brisbane, and Craig McRae, at 52, has been hailed for his work this season at Collingwood.
“Chris Fagan certainly hasn’t had a problem with that. ‘Fly’ McRae – what’s he, 52? He seems to be coaching pretty well in the modern game,” Longmire told AFL360.
“It was a pretty telling comment from North Melbourne, but that’s not to say whether you’re young or old, that you can’t keep up with the modern game. Chris Fagan is a great example of that.”
Longmire, 55, stepped down as Sydney coach in November last year, and Simpson, 50, ended his time at West Coast in July, 2024.
While not keen to discuss if they might be looking at returning to Arden St, they readily agreed there was sentiment towards the club where they won premierships as players.
“You can’t help it – I grew up there. They’ve had such a big say in both our lives,” Longmire said of the Kangaroos.
Simpson said he was not interested in going for the Essendon role, since filled by Mark McVeigh, but admitted he “had a think” about Carlton.
“I need to take a deep breath,” he quickly added about North.
“This is a little bit different because it’s North, but it’s just a bit early to talk about what we perceive as an opportunity, versus a mate who’s lost his job.”
Simpson added that while Clarkson’s four-year term as North coach had ended badly, he had definitely made a difference.
“I’m not sure how many people wanted that job at North four years ago. I’m not sure if there were people dying to get that job,” Simpson said.
“I bet you there are a few people going for it now, with what’s happened in the last four years.”
North football boss Todd Viney said they needed a new coach with a “good understanding” of the game.
President Sonja Hood said the selection process would move “pretty quickly”, but was adamant they did not have someone in mind already.
“Just to be really clear, we don’t have a pre-supposed idea,” Hood said at Wednesday’s club presser.
“We’ll make an announcement later … some time next week, on the process that (choosing their next coach) will take.
“But we will be looking for the best person to coach North Melbourne.”
AAP