Intrigue builds in the Essendon coaching race as the Bombers of old spotted together (hint: Hird, Sheedy and Little).

Geelong assistant deemed a genuine option for the Carlton vacancy, but is open to a return to Tullamarine.

A star Cat's concussion injury lacks clarification, while a fan has been banned for 5 years after throwing a lemon.

All that and more from media buzz...

Old Essendon joins forces

James Hird's bid to become Essendon's next senior coach is in full force.

Hird was seen with Paul Little and Kevin Sheedy on Wednesday in South Yarra.

It's understood former Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo could return to the club in a football department role.

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The Bombers are keen to beef up its list management group with experience.

Vozzo stepped aside from the CEO position last year, but has remained in a consulting capacity, albeit from Adelaide, reports the Herald Sun.

Blues to interview highly-regarded assistant

Geelong assistant James Kelly isn't shying away from the vacant Essendon and Carlton coaching roles.

Kelly has built a fair collection of work experience since retiring as a three-time premiership Cat.

It is understood the Blues will interview Kelly, and could opt for a first-time coach, which is something CEO Graham Wright has done before (Craig McRae at Collingwood).

Kelly could also push for the Bombers top job according to the Agenda Setters.

Lemongate

A fan who threw a lemon toward West Coast's Reuben Ginbey has been slapped with a five-year ban from AFL and AFLW matches.

The incident, which occurred in Round 12, was reported to the AFL integrity unit.

According to SEN, the individual isn't a member of the Eagles, Essendon or AFL.

Demons, Bombers to wear commemorative Neale jumpers

Melbourne and Essendon, the teams Neale Daniher spent large amounts of his football life with, will commemorate the Australian icon on Saturday afternoon with dedicated jumpers.

Sprawled across the chests of both clubs will be his initials 'N.D' as well as the year he was born until the year of his passing.

In-form Melbourne gun signs new deal

Kade Chandler has extended his contract for five years at Melbourne, locking himself in until the end of 2031.

A free agent at the end of the year, Chandler turned his back on a potential move to rivals, including his home state, South Australia.

“We are so excited that Kade has decided to extend his contract and will remain at Melbourne until the end of 2031," Melbourne's List Manager Tim Lamb said.

“Kade is a great role model for our younger players, both on and off the field.

“His hard work and competitiveness, combined with his talent, have seen him develop into a crucial player for us.

“His endurance, speed and ability to impact both offensively and defensively will continue to be an important asset for us in the years ahead.”

Intrigue over Cat's concussion

Geelong and the AFL have yet to give clarity over Tom Stewart's concussion.

The club has yet to confirm when the star Cat entered protocols, and therefore, is.  There's uncertainty about when he will be available next.

Stewart will miss this weekend's clash with Gold Coast, and could potentially miss the trip west to face Fremantle.

Ugle-Hagan unlikely to hit contract trigger

Gold Coast recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan needs to feature another nine times in the AFL side to hit a trigger for a second season.

Ugle-Hagan signed a one-year deal after a tumultuous 2025 season, resulting in him departing the Western Bulldogs.

The former Pick 1 has only played three games for his new team, and the season has ticked over halfway, meaning he'll need to play the majority of the rest of the year, including some finals.

Pair of AFL reporters in verbal stoush

Sam McClure and Alister Nicholson exchanged words over Tasmania and the reported concerns over its stadium build.

McClure highlighted on Footy Classified earlier in the week the report from economist Nicholas Gruen about the cost of the project, and how it's tipped to balloon beyond initial estimations.

Nicholson, who hails from Penguin in northwest Tasmania, is passionate about the Devils entry into the AFL.

“Everyone is flat in here … it feels like a bomb has gone off,” Cleary said in reference to the Nicholson blow-up on the Tradies podcast.

“It's been six or seven years since I have fired up like that,” McClure responded.

“Clearly as some people saw today, it (Tasmania) gets people's tails up and people get passionate.”

Hall of Fame selector's omission from AFL night of nights

Media luminary Mike Sheahan wasn't invited to the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

Sheahan was one of the founding selectors in 1996, but failed to get the call up. It was the first evening he's missed.

“Not only can I not get in it, but I can't get invited either,'' he said according to the Herald Sun.

“I think the original selection group should have the option to say I'll go or I'll decline.

“Nothing is as obsolete as yesterday's man.”

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