Will Essendon bring in three former players to lead the club into its new era?
And when will the Bombers make the coaching call?
Alastair Clarkson's future has been another topic of conversation.
And could a Power star be on Tasmania's radar?
All that and more from media buzz...
Essendon dream team
Could the Bombers reunite James Hird, Mark McVeigh and Dean Solomon at the club?
"It's almost an Essendon dream team."
Ed on the prospect of Hird, McVeigh, and Solomon reuniting at Bomberland, as the panel discusses the final contenders for the club's coaching role.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/gQ4F3bGPvZ
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 28, 2026
And when will the Bombers make the call?
Essendon could make its coaching call within the next two weeks.
A quartet of names have been narrowed down as the leading candidates, with James Hird, Mark McVeigh, Murray Davis and Jaymie Graham the remaining options. Dean Solomon is potentially the fifth candidate, depending his decision on his coaching future.
"I think within the next two weeks Essendon will have a new coach."
- @CalTwomey 🗣️ #9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/YHuSC2cGen
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 28, 2026
Bombers candidates to meet Socceroos legend
Essendon coaching candidates will meet former Australian soccer player and current manager Kevin Muscat and John Wardrop, who was a long-term pro scout at Hawthorn, West Coast and Collingwood as part of their interview process.
The pair will help the Bombers determine the right option for the club.
Muscat will help determine coaching and leadership styles, while Wardrop will be pitched philosophies and game style plans.
Clarkson contract uncertainty
North Melbourne has Alastair Clarkson locked away for next year, but what about beyond that?
Contract talks have been put on hold until the end of the year.
"We spoke about Alastair Clarkson last night and my view was I felt that North Melbourne would be unlikely to move on Alastair Clarkson because of the year left on his contract. As we sit here tonight, I'm not so sure."
Caroline Wilson on frustrations at North Melbourne 👉… pic.twitter.com/Yzu0I0BVle
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 28, 2026
Hornet the Devil?
Should Port Adelaide be worried about the future of Jason Horne-Francis?
That's what media personality Kane Cornes posed as Tasmania prepares its entry into the AFL.
The Devils appointed Ken Hinkley as its inaugural coach, who holds great relationships throughout the competition.
Cornes said Tasmania should try to pry Horne-Francis out of Alberton, with the looming departure of Zak Butters playing a role.
“The last person I want to see go to Tasmania ... is my man, Jason Horne-Francis,” he said on The Agenda Setters.
“He's top 10 in the coach's votes, and his numbers are off the cliff - but that's with Zak Butters though.
"Port Adelaide have got a year to show that they can support him... Ken Hinkley will be on the phone, they've got a close relationship."
🗣️ Kane Cornes on the importance of Port Adelaide building the midfield around Jason Horne-Francis as Tasmania looms pic.twitter.com/kK9JWPrj6m
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 28, 2026
“What happens when Zak Butters goes, that's where my concern lies.
“Contracted until the end of 2028, they've got a year ... to show they can support him.
“Ken Hinkley will be on the phone; they've got a close relationship ... their first priority is ‘how can we support this guy in the midfield when Butters goes?'.”
