- Sep 29, 2012
- 10,703
- 11,861
- AFL Club
- Port Adelaide
Dean Cox (Sydney)
The champion ruckman is the early frontrunner given his reputation, West Coast pedigree and previous working relationship with Eagles CEO Don Pyke, who will play a prominent role in selecting the new coach. A 2006 premiership player with the Eagles, Cox started his coaching apprenticeship as a playing ruck coach in 2014 and graduated to stoppages and midfield coach roles after retiring. He was sought by Geelong before joining the Swans in 2017 and now oversees game strategy and performance. The six-time All Australian and game-changing ruckman looked likely to be an eventual successor to John Longmire in Sydney, but an immediate opportunity at his former club could prove tempting.
Brett Montgomery (Greater Western Sydney)
Over 16 years as an assistant coach, Montgomery has been involved in several successful rebuilds and most recently played a key role in taking the Giants from 16th in 2022 to a preliminary final in the club's first year under Port Adelaide premiership teammate Adam Kingsley. The 51-year-old has been strongly endorsed by Kingsley and is ready to explore senior opportunities. His duties with the Giants include the backline, team defence, and most recently the club's leadership program, which is designed to foster team connection, culture, and personal growth. Has held previous roles with Carlton, the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide.
Jarrad Schofield (West Coast)
The Eagles' caretaker has seven games in the hot seat to further his case after being chosen to take over from Simpson this week. Schofield's apprenticeship is one of the more diverse among the contenders, starting at WAFL colts level at Subiaco before winning three premierships from five Grand Finals as the Lions' league coach. He blends a hard edge and accountable style with strong relationships and a personal touch. He is also viewed by colleagues as a sharp tactician after roles as Port Adelaide's midfield coach and the Eagles' strategy and stoppages coach. The 49-year-old, who won a premiership with the Power in 2004 and has an eagle eye for the little details, has excellent relationships with West Coast's young players and brings a clean slate to the list having joined after the 2018 premiership era.
Josh Carr (Port Adelaide)
While the Power assistant would be among the frontrunners for the Eagles job if he made himself available, it is more likely he will stay settled in Adelaide rather than returning to WA, where he spent part of his playing and coaching careers. Carr has been Ken Hinkley's deputy for the past two seasons and is slated to eventually take over from the 12-year coach. The former Fremantle and Power premiership tagger, who did not go through the Richmond process last year, has been building his resume for 14 years after starting with the Power as an assistant in 2011. He was crucial in shaping the Dockers' young midfield under Justin Longmuir and has coached his own team at SANFL level, leading North Adelaide to a premiership in 2018.
Ready to go: The 10 assistant coaches in Eagles' sights
Nathan Schmook runs the rule over the coaching landscape and turns up 10 contenders that West Coast will look atwww.afl.com.au
Not a coach there I wouldn't get behind.
Even Troy. It would hurt but even Troy.
