Simpson outlines the blueprint for landing Collingwood’s top job

With a vacant seat at the Holden Centre, those keen to present their case should be all ears đź‘‚

Published by
Ed Carmine

2018 premiership coach Adam Simpson has offered his advice to the series of assistant coaches that are set to pitch their cases to the Collingwood Football Club.

With Nathan Buckley departing his long-term home following the Pies' shock win against the Demons on Queen's Birthday, his former hot seat at the Holden Centre is yet to be filled on a permanent basis.

Simpson - now in his eighth season as the Eagles' head coach - stated that clarity would be the key for an applicant to be given the job.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Eagles head coach Adam Simpson and Shannon Hurn of the Eagles hold up the premiership cup after their win during the 2018 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

“I suppose you never think you’re ready until you’re ready, you want to present your own personal brand and what you stand for,” Simpson said told SEN's Crunch Time.

“I was more about this is who I am, and this is what I stand for.

“I thought the last thing that the club wanted to hear was how their list was and what you’re going to do with it.”

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As Collingwood have long been spruiked as being 'the biggest sporting club in Australia', Simpson expounded on his own experiences in taking on the main role at a massive club.

“I just didn’t realise how big the club was until I got over here,” he laughed.

“Taking over from Woosha, I think I did my press conference in the John Worsfold room and there was a John Worsfold oil painting with an eagle on his shoulder, so I guess I was a bit naïve.

“Whoever takes over the Collingwood job obviously there’s a fair shadow that Nathan’s cast, so it’s just being yourself as much as you can and sticking to your own values.”

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Collingwood are currently being coached on an interim basis by former senior assistant and St. Kilda games record holder, Robert Harvey.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Justin Longmuir and Robert Harvey the assistant coaches of the Magpies look on during the round 21 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The two-time Brownlow medalist affectionately referred to as 'Banger' is said to be interested in the job on a full-time basis after serving his apprenticeship at Carlton and under Buckley for 10-seasons.

Harvey, 49, is set to face his club of 21-seasons on Sunday when the Pies do battle with the Saints at the MCG.

 

Published by
Ed Carmine