https://www.afl.com.au/news/1518322/the-coaches-in-waiting-that-could-take-over-the-carlton-blues-after-michael-voss-departureThis is my short list from that group of coaches in waiting: in order
Hayden Skipworth
Missed the West Coast job narrowly to Andrew McQualter and was a leading contender for last year's Melbourne vacancy before pulling out of the race. Highly regarded for his tactical nous, the 43-year-old has completed a long and diverse apprenticeship designed specifically to prepare him for senior coaching. Has taken charge of AFL programs at both Essendon* and Collingwood for pre-season periods, run academy programs, and been an assistant on every line. Development has included leadership courses at Harvard and Columbia Universities, and development opportunities with NBA and English Premier League clubs.
Jaymie Graham
Long regarded as a senior coach of the future, Graham narrowly missed the Collingwood vacancy won by Craig McRae but chose not to pursue the West Coast vacancy so he could continue to develop with Fremantle. In charge of the Dockers' powerful forward line, Graham has proven his credentials through a long apprenticeship that started in 2012 and included stints with St Kilda and West Coast, while also coaching his own team at WAFL level. Complemented his coaching with an education degree and is a major reason behind the development of the Dockers' young tall forwards.
Corey Enright
Viewed by many as the likely successor to Ross Lyon at St Kilda, the Blues would be foolish not to approach the Geelong champion. As the Saints' head of strategy and game plan, Enright was linked with the Melbourne vacancy but pulled out of the race to continue with the Saints, where he has also spent time as backline coach. Also spent five years as an assistant with Geelong before joining the Saints in 2021, developing under Chris Scott. Another who brings significant experience in successful programs based on his triple-premiership career over 332 games with Geelong.
Brendon Lade
Among the five coaches considered by Melbourne at the pointy end of its search last year, Lade is now with the Western Bulldogs as a senior assistant and overseeing the midfield group. Started his coaching career with Richmond in 2010 and has stints with Port Adelaide and St Kilda. Was also interviewed by Essendon* in 2022 and has long been seen as a future senior coach. A former Port Adelaide best and fairest and two-time All Australian, Lade has also focused on stoppages and opposition strategy, and other key coaching program responsibilities.
James Kelly
A highly impressive assistant who went close to landing the Melbourne vacancy last season but has continued to develop this year under Chris Scott. In his fifth season at GMHBA Stadium, Kelly had a stellar playing career with the Cats and won three premierships before finishing his career with the Bombers and moving into coaching. Was part of the Cats' 2022 premiership as a coach and brings significant experience and IP from an incredibly successful program.
Cameron Bruce
If the Blues are looking for a coach from a successful program, then Bruce will be right at the pointy end of their short list. As Chris Fagan's senior assistant and midfield coach at Brisbane through back-to-back premierships and three straight Grand Finals, the 46-year-old has been an important part of the Lions' success. He was also a development coach and assistant through Hawthorn's three-peat under Alastair Clarkson and had a stint with the Blues. Viewed internally as a future senior coach, he was the AFL Coaches Association assistant of the year in 2025.
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