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Essendon Coaching Hunt Heats Up: Hird, Sheedy, Little Meet; Geelong Assistant Targets Carlton; AFL News Roundup
Essendon’s search for a new senior coach has taken a decisive turn after former Bombers star James Hird was spotted with club legends Kevin Sheedy and former president Paul Little on Wednesday in South Yarra. The meeting, reported by the Herald Sun, signals the club’s intent to name a head‑coach for the 2026 season.
Hird’s appearance was described as a “full‑force” push to return to the Bombers. According to the Herald Sun, the trio discussed coaching options and the club’s future direction. The bid comes after a period of uncertainty that began with Brad Scott’s exit and the dismissal of former coach Ben Rutten.
In parallel, Essendon is reportedly weighing a return to the club for former CEO Craig Vozzo. Vozzo stepped down from the CEO role last year but has remained in a consulting capacity from Adelaide, and the club is also looking to strengthen its list‑management group—an area where Vozzo’s experience could prove valuable.
Meanwhile, Geelong assistant coach James Kelly is being considered for the vacant senior‑coach positions at both Essendon and Carlton. Kelly, a three‑time premiership player, has built a substantial coaching résumé since retiring, and Blues CEO Graham Wright has indicated that the club could interview Kelly and may even opt for a first‑time coach, a strategy that has precedent in the AFL.
In other AFL news, Geelong and the league have yet to clarify the status of star midfielder Tom Stewart’s concussion. The club has not confirmed when Stewart entered concussion protocols, leaving uncertainty about his availability for upcoming matches. Stewart is expected to miss the weekend clash with Gold Coast and may also be unavailable for the trip to Fremantle.
A fan was handed a five‑year ban from all AFL and AFLW matches after throwing a lemon at West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey during a Round 12 game. The incident was reported to the AFL integrity unit, and the ban was confirmed by the league. The individual is not a member of the Eagles, Essendon, or the AFL.
Melbourne and Essendon will honour former player Neale Daniher with commemorative jumpers on Saturday afternoon. Both clubs will display Daniher’s initials, “N.D”, and the years of his birth and passing on the front of the shirts.
Kade Chandler has extended his contract with Melbourne for five years, keeping him at the club until the end of 2031. Melbourne’s list manager Tim Lamb stated that Chandler’s performance and leadership make him a key asset for the club’s future.
Gold Coast recruit Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan faces a contract trigger that requires him to play nine more AFL games to secure a second season. Ugle‑Hagan signed a one‑year deal after a turbulent 2025 season that saw him leave the Western Bulldogs. He has played three games so far, leaving a significant portion of the season to reach the trigger.
A verbal exchange between AFL reporters Sam McClure and Alister Nicholson highlighted differing views on Tasmania’s stadium project. McClure raised concerns about cost overruns, while Nicholson, a Tasmanian native, defended the state’s AFL entry.
Finally, media veteran Mike Sheahan was not invited to the Australian Football Hall of Fame ceremony on Tuesday night. Sheahan, one of the founding selectors in 1996, missed the event for the first time in his career.
Essendon’s coaching search remains open, with Hird, Sheedy, and Little continuing to discuss possibilities. Geelong’s Kelly is a potential candidate for both Essendon and Carlton, while the league continues to monitor player health and disciplinary matters. The AFL community will watch the unfolding stories as the season progresses.
Hird’s appearance was described as a “full‑force” push to return to the Bombers. According to the Herald Sun, the trio discussed coaching options and the club’s future direction. The bid comes after a period of uncertainty that began with Brad Scott’s exit and the dismissal of former coach Ben Rutten.
In parallel, Essendon is reportedly weighing a return to the club for former CEO Craig Vozzo. Vozzo stepped down from the CEO role last year but has remained in a consulting capacity from Adelaide, and the club is also looking to strengthen its list‑management group—an area where Vozzo’s experience could prove valuable.
Meanwhile, Geelong assistant coach James Kelly is being considered for the vacant senior‑coach positions at both Essendon and Carlton. Kelly, a three‑time premiership player, has built a substantial coaching résumé since retiring, and Blues CEO Graham Wright has indicated that the club could interview Kelly and may even opt for a first‑time coach, a strategy that has precedent in the AFL.
In other AFL news, Geelong and the league have yet to clarify the status of star midfielder Tom Stewart’s concussion. The club has not confirmed when Stewart entered concussion protocols, leaving uncertainty about his availability for upcoming matches. Stewart is expected to miss the weekend clash with Gold Coast and may also be unavailable for the trip to Fremantle.
A fan was handed a five‑year ban from all AFL and AFLW matches after throwing a lemon at West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey during a Round 12 game. The incident was reported to the AFL integrity unit, and the ban was confirmed by the league. The individual is not a member of the Eagles, Essendon, or the AFL.
Melbourne and Essendon will honour former player Neale Daniher with commemorative jumpers on Saturday afternoon. Both clubs will display Daniher’s initials, “N.D”, and the years of his birth and passing on the front of the shirts.
Kade Chandler has extended his contract with Melbourne for five years, keeping him at the club until the end of 2031. Melbourne’s list manager Tim Lamb stated that Chandler’s performance and leadership make him a key asset for the club’s future.
Gold Coast recruit Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan faces a contract trigger that requires him to play nine more AFL games to secure a second season. Ugle‑Hagan signed a one‑year deal after a turbulent 2025 season that saw him leave the Western Bulldogs. He has played three games so far, leaving a significant portion of the season to reach the trigger.
A verbal exchange between AFL reporters Sam McClure and Alister Nicholson highlighted differing views on Tasmania’s stadium project. McClure raised concerns about cost overruns, while Nicholson, a Tasmanian native, defended the state’s AFL entry.
Finally, media veteran Mike Sheahan was not invited to the Australian Football Hall of Fame ceremony on Tuesday night. Sheahan, one of the founding selectors in 1996, missed the event for the first time in his career.
Essendon’s coaching search remains open, with Hird, Sheedy, and Little continuing to discuss possibilities. Geelong’s Kelly is a potential candidate for both Essendon and Carlton, while the league continues to monitor player health and disciplinary matters. The AFL community will watch the unfolding stories as the season progresses.
