The race for John Longmire is reportedly underway, as the former Sydney coach remains an appealing man on the market for rival AFL sides.
Following a successful career at Sydney, where Longmire claimed one premiership and four runners-up defeats and boasted the Swans' best coaching winning percentage, the 54-year-old stepped down from his position after the 2024 grand final defeat.
Expected successor Dean Cox was quickly announced to take the reins, with Longmire stepping into the background as the executive director of club performance at Sydney this season.
However, struggling clubs will have undoubtedly been keeping close tabs on Lomgmire's situation, with the proven premiership winner up for grabs should he seek a return to coaching at the highest level.
While a coaching job for Tasmania's expansion side in 2028 remains one possibility, other AFL teams are already pursuing Longmire, according to Footy Classified's Sam McClure.
"There are clubs looking at this situation very closely, that John Longmire is attainable," McClure said on Monday.
"I know for a fact that at least one club has had high-level discussions around his availability โ this is on now.
"There is a race that is beginning for John Longmire, and I know there are some teams that are of the opinion that usually the older premiership coaches, once you get them back in, don't go as well, and there's been a history of that, but given his record of getting teams to the line, (teams will consider chasing Longmire)."
Panellist Matthew Lloyd queried McClure about the team that met with Longmire, and directly asked whether it was Melbourne, given the story regarding the Demons keeping tabs on Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, as well as their strugglesome start to the season with Simon Goodwin.
However, McClure remained tight-lipped on the identity of the club, but maintained the hunt for Longmire's service was ramping up and a club name tied to Longmire would "come to fruition" later in the year.
Melbourne could potentially be one club seeking his talents if the Demons continue their losing record under Goodwin. Should Fremantle have an underperforming year under Justin Longmuir, it could also possibly see the Dockers make a bold call if Longmire becomes available.
Equally so, Matthew Nicks has just one year left on his deal at Adelaide beyond 2025, and if the Crows have a stunning fall from their competitive start to the season, Longmire may be in the eyes of another interstate side.
