Geelong great Jimmy Bartel says he has an "itch to scratch" in his desire to return to clubland, responding to reports he is included in the 'Team Hird' movement gunning towards Essendon.

Bartel has been grouped among names such as Michael Voss, Dyson Heppell, Mark McVeigh and Brendan McCartney as people of interest to James Hird if he were to push for the Bombers vacant coaching position, according to the Herald Sun.

The Cats icon, speaking on the Footy Furnace alongside Hird, confirmed his interest in joining a club, but it has to be for the right role.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from Essendon," Bartel said.

"I'm very flattered. I think people know that I've always had an interest, and maybe an itch to scratch to get back into club land and do something if the role's right."

After a glittering playing career at Geelong that spanned 15 seasons, 305 games, three premierships and a Brownlow Medal, he was the Giants football director up until the end of 2024 after joining the board in late 2018.

He played a key role in list management and coaching decisions as well as assisting in the restructure of the GWS football department.

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Bartel helped install Adam Kingsley as the Giants head coach, and now has been touted as a potential assistant or football director of Essendon as part of the reported Hird pitch to the Bombers.

He is into his second season as head of football at Caulfield Grammar, which is expected to produce at least two AFL draftees this year. 

Bartel has been linked to Melbourne's newly created head of strategy role which will sit between the football department and the CEO.

Since, he has held multiple media roles such as on 3AW radio and Channel Nine football shows.

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