Overview

• Simpson told SEN he hasn’t been contacted by Melbourne and isn’t prepared for the intensive coaching process
• He intends to keep his media roles, including breakfast radio, rather than return to an AFL coaching role next season
• John Longmire and interim coach Troy Chaplin previously removed themselves from contention, further narrowing the field
• Ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley now stands as the clear front-runner for the 2026 Demons senior coaching role
• The selection committee is weighing candidates such as Ken Hinkley, Hayden Skipworth and Daniel Giansiracusa ahead of an off-season appointment