GWS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney hasn’t ruled out targeting current AFL senior coaches to take charge at the Giants, saying there’s “nothing off the table” in their search for Leon Cameron’s replacement.
Since Cameron announced his resignation last Wednesday, there’s been constant speculation about who will take the reins at the Giants, with many expecting Alastair Clarkson to be headhunted for the role.
However, McCartney said the club is looking at their task as a “blank canvas”, and not ruling any options out for the role.
“We’ve got to look at all options available,” McCartney told SEN Breakfast this morning.
“At the moment, everyone’s available whether they’re coaching at AFL level, or assistants (at AFL level), or former coaches.”
He said the club is yet to talk to Clarkson about taking the role, instead saying they’ve had “preliminary chats” only.
“We’ll formulate some views and ideas and what we’re doing next week and beyond, but that conversation hasn’t (been) had, as yet.”
James Hird’s name has also been raised as someone who may be interested in the coaching role at the Giants, recently moving from a leadership guidance role to an assistant coaching role under caretaker Mark McVeigh.
But McCartney said the former Essendon coach is yet to put his name forward for the role.
“He hasn’t expressed directly a desire to jump back in (to senior coaching) yet,” McCartney said.
“It’s totally in James’ hands where he sits with things, I know he’s been really enjoying what he’s been doing, and I think this will be great for him to jump back a little bit more in that coaching space.”
McCartney told Kane Cornes and David King the current focus for himself, CEO David Matthews and board member Jimmy Bartel is to get the group back on track after Cameron’s departure.
“The focus has been about stabilising our group this week, because there still is 13 rounds to go, and we think we’re still very capable of doing some damage,” he added.
McVeigh’s first game as interim coach will come against the West Coast Eagles at Giants Stadium on Sunday.