THE OTHER CONTENDERS TO REPLACE DIMMA
Lauren Wood
HeraldSun
8 August 2023
Josh Carr
Insiders say his return to Port Adelaide alongside Ken Hinkley has played a part in the Power’s 2023 resurgence. Has developed a good assistant coaching profile across more than a decade.
Adem Yze
Highly-rated assistant coach who came so close to winning the GWS role before Adam Kingsley knocked him off in the last interview. Was also in the mix at Essendon before Brad Scott won the job. Has had a strong coaching apprenticeship and is currently doing good things with Melbourne.
Don Pyke
Took Adelaide to the 2017 grand final only to be denied by Hardwick and the relentless Tigers. Departed the Crows after being burnt out, but played a big role at Sydney as an assistant to John Longmire to take the Swans to last year’s grand final. Considered a very sound tactician.
Steven King
The former Geelong skipper is keen to take on a senior job and has been making a good case leading the Suns after the sacking of Stuart Dew. Former All-Australian ruck was highly regarded at the Western Bulldogs before the Suns poached him.
Justin Leppitsch
The former Brisbane senior coach and now Magpies assistant had two separate stints at Punt Rd under Hardwick, and knows the place well. Has rebuilt his own coaching brand but told this masthead in July "my mind is firmly fixed on staying at Collingwood, and keep doing what I’m doing.”
Leon Cameron
Spent the second half of his playing career with Richmond, so he knows the Tigers’ environment. Took the Giants to a grand final and three preliminary finals but his tenure ended there last year. Chose not to chase the Essendon job, instead taking on a role with Sydney’s academy.
Shaun Grigg
Could be a wildcard despite only four years as an assistant coach at Geelong. Knows the Hardwick system and style of play given his 171 games as player.
Hayden Skipworth
Has emerged as a possible candidate after Garry Lyon put his name on the radar. “I hear Skipworth has been enormous and anyone going down this path would be negligent (not to involve him in the process,” Lyon said on SEN radio. “You and I both heard the name Skipworth. Watch this space."
Source: HeraldSun