"Deserves the opportunity": Freo backs Graham for head coaching role

With Essendon and Carlton nearing a decision on who their next permanent head coach will be, Fremantle’s Executive GM of Football Joe Brierty has backed assistant coach Jaymie Graham for either position.

Working across Fremantle, West Coast and St Kilda, the 43-year-old has built a wide experience across the three clubs over the last 14 years.

As a result, Graham has been a constant name thrown up as a potential head coach when a vacancy opens throughout his time, having previously been in charge of WAFL side East Perth during 2018.

This year has proven no different with the former Eagle having once again been a final contender for the job at the Bombers and the Blues.

With Graham now reaching the final stages of both races, Brierty has backed the forwards coach, believing he deserves an opportunity to be in the top job at an AFL club.

“We’re right behind him,” Brierty said on AFL Nation.

“To be honest, he deserves the opportunity to be a senior coach.

“He's had an amazing apprenticeship over three clubs. The impact he's had in working really closely with our forwards, but obviously our assistant coaching group and JL (Justin Longmuir) and him have a really strong relationship.

“So, (we’re) right behind him from a support perspective, letting those processes play out and just having constant dialogue with myself and JL and Garlo (Simon Garlick – club CEO) and what that looks like.

“And then ultimately, once a position's found on those roles, we'll have another discussion.

“But from our perspective, whether he was successful or not, he would continue to coach out the season with the club.”

Essendon and Carlton will reveal their senior coach for 2027 at a later date.