GWS assistant Brett Montgomery is said to be seen as a "serious contender" for the West Coast senior coaching role, with the Eagles having reportedly begun contacting potential candidates.
Montgomery has been an assistant coach in the AFL since retiring from the Western Bulldogs in 2007 after a 204-game career that included a role in Port Adelaide's inaugural premiership side.
The 51-year-old has held roles with Carlton, the Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide and GWS, with his current position assisting Giants senior coach Adam Kingsley as the club's backline lead.
Montgomery was recently tied to a move to Adelaide to support Matthew Nicks at West Lakes, however, that move may fall through as the Eagles show reported interest in the one-time All-Australian's services.
According to Sydney reporter Daniel Garb, Montgomery is viewed as a "serious contender" for the Eagles vacancy and is one of several candidates to have been approached by the WA club for an interview.
Exclusive: Giants assistant coach Brett Montgomery has emerged as a serious contender for the West Coast head coaching job.
Itโs understood the Eagles have formally approached him, amongst others, for interviews as they compile their list of candidates. @AFL @abcsport
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) July 30, 2024
Montgomery joined the Giants the same off-season Kingsley - a former teammate of his at the Power - was appointed as the club's senior coach.
Kingsley heavily endorsed Montgomery for the West Coast job earlier this month, telling media the Eagles would be "mad not to talk to him".
"Absolutely. I think they'd be mad not to talk to him," the GWS boss said.
"I think he's a fantastic coach, more than capable of being a senior coach in this competition and he just needs the opportunity. He sees the game really well, he's obviously a really smart coach game-style-wise.
"West Coast; I see him having significant impact at that footy club... I think he should given an opportunity to at least interview."
Montgomery can be expected to be joined by former West Coast players Ash Hansen and Jaymie Graham as a potential candidate to succeed Adam Simpson at the Eagles.
West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield may also be of interest as he sees out the season in the role on a caretaker basis, while Essendon assistant Daniel Giansiracusa is another name that may be considered.
Sydney assistant Dean Cox and Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr have ruled themselves out of the race, while Carr's boss Ken Hinkley knocked back questions on reports suggesting he was in the Eagles' sights.
