Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth has received a ringing endorsement from Magpie mentor Craig McRae to become the next senior coach in the AFL.
Skipworth, who has been with the Magpies since 2020, is certain to be in the mix for the Carlton job following Michael Voss’s exit as Blues coach.
Carlton chief executive Graham Wright wants to go through a formal process to find the Blues’ next coach, potentially giving untried assistants an edge in the race.
Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire could be considered, likewise experienced pair Nathan Buckley and Ken Hinkley.
Skipworth has been McRae’s senior assistant, often taking charge during the pre-season.
The former Essendon and Adelaide player has also previously coached his own team in the VFL, a similar path to McRae before he took the Collingwood job for the 2022 season.
Skipworth was in contention for the West Coast gig in 2024, and also interviewed when the Melbourne job was vacant last year after Simon Goodwin’s sacking.
“His strategy is really good, his people management is really good,” McRae said of Skipworth.
“The way he owns a room … he’s really well organised.
“He’s always bettering himself; travels to better himself.
“He’s got a lot of experience now, and you’re never fully ready, you could never be fully ready for this job unless you’ve done it before.
“Basically what I see, ‘Skip’ would be ready.”
Geelong’s James Kelly, Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham and Hawthorn’s Daniel Giansiracusa are other highly rated assistants who could be considered by the Blues.
McRae has reached out to Voss, his Brisbane Lions premiership teammate, since his departure from Carlton.
“It’s challenging,” McRae said.
“Reached out to him via text. Clearly he’s got a lot going on, and I’ll find the appropriate time to go catch up with him.
“I was as happy as you can be that he walks away with his dignity.
“He’s such a respectful guy, and he’s a legend of our game.
“As a friend, I just know how capable he is and I’ll try to be there for him.”
