Retired Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead has been tied to the recently vacated senior coaching position with Fremantle's AFLW side.
Roughead called time on his playing career midway through the 2022 AFL season amid a battle with injury, ending his 201-game tenure in the league with the Magpies and Bulldogs, where he won a premiership with the latter.
In the twilight years of his career, Roughead took on off-field duties with both Collingwood's and the Western Bulldogs' women's teams, beginning as an assistant coach at the Kennel in 2017.
Roughead would swap the Bulldogs for Collingwood ahead of the 2019 season, and in his second year with the Magpies would be appointed as a specialist coach.
The 31-year-old has continued to work under senior coach Steve Symonds, leading the Magpies' backline last year.
Ahead of the current AFLW season, the Magpies appointed Roughead as a senior assistant to work with the club's midfield group.
Having built a pathway to coaching while balancing his requirements on-field in recent seasons, Roughead leaves the AFL with an impressive CV as he continues with the Magpies' women's side.
In the wake of Fremantle's decision not to extend the contract of senior coach Trent Cooper, The West Australianย have linked Roughead to replace the outgoing Cooper.
Cooper's strong stint with the Dockers came to an abrupt end this week, with the club deciding to move on from their coach after five seasons - four of which ended with finals appearances.
The decision has left some to suggest Fremantle have a replacement already in line.
Roughead is currently working with Collingwood ahead of their semi-final trip to face Adelaide at Unley Oval on Saturday.
Like the Dockers, Collingwood are still chasing an inaugural AFLW premiership since their establishment ahead of the 2017 season.
