Brisbane Lions assistant coach Cam Bruce has declined to participate in Carlton's coaching selection process after the club expressed interest in him. 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed that Bruce turned down the offer due to family considerations.
Family reasons behind decision
According to Cleary, Bruce was “sounded out” by the Blues but chose not to proceed. “He has a daughter heading into the final year of school next year and is settled in Queensland for now,” Cleary said. The 46-year-old was named the AFL's Assistant Coach of the Year last season.
Bruce's coaching and playing career
Bruce played 234 games for Melbourne and Hawthorn before retiring. He began his coaching journey at Hawthorn in a development role under Alastair Clarkson during the Hawks' threepeat from 2013 to 2015. He later served as a senior assistant at Carlton before joining Brisbane as an assistant in 2021. At Brisbane, he works under Chris Fagan, who is pursuing a third consecutive premiership this year.
Other candidates in Carlton's coaching search
Carlton's coaching hunt includes several names: David Hale (Hawthorn), Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth (who withdrew from Melbourne's process last year), and possibly Brett Montgomery from GWS. 7NEWS sports reporter Tom Morris said Carlton footy boss Chris Davies “had a coffee” with Montgomery in Sydney a couple of weeks ago. “I don’t think he’s going to be a leading candidate, but he’s part of that broader group,” Morris added.
Cleary has confirmed six candidates. Fremantle forward coach Jaymie Graham is among them, known to Carlton list boss Nick Wright from the Collingwood coaching process. Geelong pair James Rahilly and James Kelly are also in the mix. Kelly was well-regarded in Melbourne's coaching process last year, while Rahilly is noted for his expertise on ball movement. Daniel Giansiracusa, who has become a key voice at Hawthorn this year, will also meet with the Blues. Brendon Lade, Luke Beveridge's right-hand man at the Western Bulldogs, has been confirmed as a candidate. Corey Enright will also meet with Carlton, despite many believing he is the long-term replacement for Ross Lyon at St Kilda.
Josh Fraser remains a smokey
Cleary noted that Josh Fraser is still a potential candidate. “The smokey remains Josh Fraser. While publicly he remains steadfast, he won’t be applying. I believe the door is still ajar on him potentially joining the process in coming weeks as he chases his seventh straight win this week against Richmond,” Cleary said.
