Who’s in the running for the Dons coaching job?

ESSENDON wants to have their senior coaching role filled before the AFL trade period, according to journalist Mitch Cleary.

The Bombers sacked Ben Rutten following the 2022 season, but were forced to scramble when Alastair Clarkson chose North Melbourne over them.

Former GWS coach Leon Cameron has been linked with the role, but Cleary feels he is more likely to remain in New South Wales.

“I think he’s more likely to stay in Sydney, I think his daughter is doing year 11 or 12 next year, I think he’s more likely to stay in Sydney, but a senior coaching job doesn’t come up often,” Cleary said on SEN Breakfast.

“It wouldn’t shock me if he was to be part of the process and then you go to the next guys. Does Ken Hinkley get a hail Mary call later in the process?

“I think Josh Mahoney clarifying that experienced senior coaches will be in the mix will open the door for guys like Adem Yze, Ash Hansen coached a VFL premiership six or seven years ago, you could argue he’s experienced in that realm like Craig McRae was.

“Still a bit to play out, but they want to get a coach before the trade period, so they are leaving their run late and they’re going to have to get a move on.”

Cleary ran through the leading contenders for the role as he sees things right now.

“How it sits at the minute, I’d say Yze at one because of the links to Jordan Lewis and how close he’s been, two Ken Hinkley and three Ash Hansen because of his experience,” he said.

“I think Hansen would have run pretty deep in the Giants process, but wanted to stay in Victoria, that’s just my gut feel at the moment.”

– BY NIC NEGREPONTIS/ SEN