A Pivotal Appointment for Tasmania
The Tasmania Devils, the AFL’s newest franchise, are accelerating their search for an inaugural senior coach, with Sydney Swans premiership winner John Longmire emerging as a primary candidate. Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale confirmed the club aims to finalize the appointment within the next 10 weeks, describing the role as a “highly consequential” decision for the club’s future.
Reports indicate that Longmire has already engaged in multiple discussions with the Tasmania selection panel. While the prospect of a high-profile departure from Sydney has caused concern among Swans supporters, Alastair Lynch, a member of the Tasmania selection committee, has downplayed the significance of the public discourse surrounding Longmire’s comments, stating there is “no concern” regarding his interest in the role.
The Selection Landscape
The Devils are casting a wide net, having already held presentations with notable figures such as Nathan Buckley and Ken Hinkley. While Brad Scott was previously linked to the organization, Lynch clarified that the timing for such an appointment is not currently appropriate, despite Scott’s extensive experience in list management and program development.
CEO Brendon Gale emphasized that the club is prioritizing a leader with the capacity to navigate the unique challenges of building a program from the ground up. “It’s going to be a very challenging job,” Gale noted during an appearance on AFL.com.au. The club’s strategy focuses on a long-term build, with a strong emphasis on youth development and community integration across Tasmania, utilizing both UTAS Stadium and the future Macquarie Point Stadium.
Longmire’s Stance
For his part, Longmire has maintained a professional focus on his current duties while acknowledging the uncertainty of the future. “I’m trying to do that to the best of my ability now and what happens in the future, I’ll try and do the best I can at whatever that is,” Longmire remarked recently. Whether his next chapter remains within the AFL landscape or shifts toward a new challenge in Tasmania remains a subject of intense speculation as the season approaches its conclusion.