Blues Eyeing New Leadership: Longmire, Skipworth, and Giansiracusa on Carlton’s Coaching Radar
Carlton is in the midst of a significant search for its next senior AFL coach, following the recent departure of Michael Voss. The hunt is on, and a prominent list of candidates is reportedly being considered by the club. While interim coach Josh Fraser has stepped up admirably and demonstrated his capabilities, he has indicated he is not yet ready to commit to the full-time role. Adding to the intrigue, West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson, initially thought to be a contender, has also ruled himself out of the running. However, Simpson will play a crucial role in the decision-making process, serving on the panel tasked with selecting Carlton’s new leader.
According to leading AFL journalist Sam Edmund, the Blues have compiled a shortlist of coaching prospects they intend to interview. This group is said to include highly respected figures within the coaching fraternity, with Sydney Swans premiership coach John Longmire reportedly on the radar, alongside Collingwood assistant coach Hayden Skipworth and Hawthorn assistant Daniel Giansiracusa. Edmund’s reporting suggests that while Carlton has not yet formally approached any candidates, they have “established a list of coaching candidates it wants to speak to.” He further elaborated, stating the potential recruits include “long-time assistant coaches currently in jobs like Hayden Skipworth and Daniel Giansiracusa and well-credentialled former coaches like John Longmire.”
The selection panel itself is a notable assembly, comprising several key figures from within the Carlton Football Club. Alongside Adam Simpson, the panel will include Carlton CEO Graham Wright, general manager of football Chris Davies, and club president Rob Priestley. The club has articulated its criteria for selecting the next coach, aiming to “draw on individuals with demonstrated success, recent experience within elite environments and a strong understanding of the breadth of responsibilities expected of a modern senior coach.” This indicates a desire for a candidate with a proven track record and a deep understanding of the demands of leading an AFL club in today’s competitive landscape.
Rising Stars and Experienced Hands: A Look at the Candidates
The names emerging on Carlton’s shortlist represent a blend of established success and promising potential. John Longmire, a premiership-winning coach with the Sydney Swans, brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to guide a team to the pinnacle of the sport. His tenure at the Swans has been marked by consistent performance and a strong tactical approach, making him a highly sought-after figure in coaching circles.
On the assistant coaching front, Hayden Skipworth and Daniel Giansiracusa are gaining significant traction. Both have been lauded by their respective senior coaches for their contributions and readiness for a senior role.
Hayden Skipworth: Backed for Success
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has been a vocal supporter of Hayden Skipworth, stating last month that Skipworth is “as ready as he’ll ever be” for a senior coaching position. McRae praised Skipworth’s strategic acumen, his ability to connect with players, and his organisational skills. “His strategy is really good, his people management is really good,” McRae commented on Skipworth. “The way he owns a room … he’s really well organised. He’s always bettering himself; travels to better himself. He’s got a lot of experience now, and you’re never fully ready, you could never be fully ready for this job unless you’ve done it before. Basically what I see, ‘Skip’ would be ready.”
Skipworth was an integral part of McRae’s coaching staff when Collingwood clinched the AFL premiership in 2023. His coaching journey has seen him in contention for other senior roles; he was a finalist for the West Coast Eagles job in 2024 before Andrew McQualter was appointed, and he also interviewed for the vacant senior coaching position at the Melbourne Football Club last year. This consistent interest from multiple clubs underscores his growing reputation as a capable and ready-to-lead coach.
Daniel Giansiracusa: A Well-Rounded Contender
Similarly, Daniel Giansiracusa, an assistant coach at Hawthorn, has received endorsements from those who have worked closely with him. Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who previously collaborated with Giansiracusa, has expressed confidence in his readiness for a senior role. Giansiracusa brings a diverse skillset honed through various coaching environments. His experience as a player at the highest level, followed by his transition into coaching, provides him with a unique perspective on player development and game strategy. The club’s focus on “recent experience within elite environments” certainly aligns with the backgrounds of both Skipworth and Giansiracusa, who are currently immersed in the high-pressure world of AFL club coaching.
The decision-making process by the panel, with its blend of football acumen, administrative leadership, and external expertise, suggests Carlton is undertaking a thorough and considered approach to appointing its next senior coach. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the club aims to secure a leader who can guide them towards future success.
