Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has definitively ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Carlton coaching position, despite the Blues having reached out to him.
Voss departs after poor start
Michael Voss ended his tenure at Carlton last week following a disastrous start to the season that left the club languishing in 16th place with just two wins. One of those victories came after Voss had already left the role.
Simpson not interested
Simpson has been out of coaching since leaving the Eagles, known as Waalitij Marawar for Sir Doug Nicholls round, at the conclusion of 2024. However, the premiership-winning coach made it clear he will not be entering the race for the position.
“I’m not going to put my hand up for any type of role with Carlton, from a coaching point of view,” Simpson told AFL360 on Wednesday. “I think I said it last week, really. It’s difficult when you’re working at the club and mentoring someone. It doesn’t feel right. So, people can stop asking me questions on it; I take myself out of contention.”
The 50-year-old did confirm that the Blues had sounded him out for the role. “A very, very brief conversation, and it was a polite decline with where I’m at, at the moment,” Simpson added. “You can ask questions of others. For me at the moment, it just didn’t feel right. When you’re working with someone and the coaching staff, to come in and try and, yeah, that’s not quite right for me. But I’m sure whoever takes that job will have a good career.”
Interim coach and other candidates
Josh Fraser is currently serving as interim coach, with a thorough application process expected to take place at season’s end. Fraser has also ruled himself out of contention for the full-time role. Meanwhile, Daniel Pratt from the Western Bulldogs and Geelong’s James Rahilly have confirmed their interest in applying for the position.
Former West Coast premiership forward Ashley Hansen could also be a candidate, as he is already an assistant coach with the Blues.
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