James Hird hasn't even won the Essendon job, but he's already approaching free agents to join the club.
Has Collingwood found a Craig Kelly replacement?
And the document Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij signed in 2024.
All that and more from media buzz...
Hird making waves
Essendon coaching aspirant James Hird made a big splash when a vacancy at the Bombers came to life after Brad Scott's sacking.
Hird's desire to be the next senior coach of the club hasn't wavered, but according to the Herald Sun, he's taken his pitch to the next level.
It's understood the Bombers great sounded out veteran free agents Toby Greene and Lachie Neale.
His pitch to Greene is believed to have included the Giants captain playing up to 30 games at the MCG in the twilight of his career, as well as Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the G clashes.
Hird wants Essendon to return to an AFL powerhouse, and has plans to take the club back to finals in a few seasons.
Cats set for great sanction
Geelong is expected to receive a penalty greater than Carlton did over the handling of Elijah Hollands.
The Cats were revealed as the club who orchestrated a secret concussion deal with a player, hiding it from the AFL and AFLPA.
"There is going to be a sanction and I fully expect it now to be heavier than the one handed to Carlton [over Elijah Hollands]."
Damo with the latest on the Cats concussion controversy and the league's 'last chance' plea to clubs.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/5wZ343EqET
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 10, 2026
Potential Craig Kelly replacement revealed
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly has been open about his future at the club, and former AFL executive Travis Auld is understood to be a man of interest at the Pies.
Collingwood sounded out Fremantle's Simon Garlick, but he has no intention of leaving Western Australia.
Auld is currently the chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix.
"A Collingwood intermediary, a month or so ago, approached Travis Auld (and) asked him whether he would come to Collingwood to be the Chief Executive replacing (Craig) Kelly next year."
🗣️ Caroline Wilson on Collingwood's search for its next CEO pic.twitter.com/N1Vfl32AS1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 10, 2026
The details in the Cats 2024 concussion document
Geelong opened itself up to scrutiny when it failed to lodge necessary documents regarding the future of Jake Kolodjashnij in 2024.
And here's the contents of the deal.
"This is the document that Jake Kolodjashnij signed in early 2024..."
Tom Morris breaks down Geelong's concussion saga 👇 pic.twitter.com/YVMsjJyR8L
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 10, 2026
Premiership Tiger set for new deal
Richmond veteran Tom Lynch is poised to remain at Punt Road for 2027.
Lynch has been the focal point of the Tiger attack since 2019, and will continue to hold the fort inside 50, while helping the next generation develop.
Tom Lynch has reached a verbal commitment with Richmond to play on in 2027, per Mitch Cleary 🐯 pic.twitter.com/b0LcArVvDN
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 10, 2026
Essendon coaching call timeline revealed
Bombers fans will need to wait until next week to learn who will be their next senior coach.
James Hird and Mark McVeigh are deemed frontrunnersners for the position, while Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis round out the four candidates.
"It's my understanding that the decision on Brad Scott's successor won't be made until next week at the earliest."
🗣️ Mitch Cleary on Essendon's coaching announcement pic.twitter.com/t0Ua3ZOELQ
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 10, 2026
