Updated July 10, 2026 – 12:43 p.m.first published July 10, 2026 – 9:39 am
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Former Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has withdrawn from the Essendon process after speaking with Bombers president Andrew Welsh after Chris Scott backed Nathan Buckley’s return to coaching while making veiled criticism of James Hird.
Goodwin’s decision to remain as an assistant coach at Sydney FC rather than take on a coaching role at Essendon follows news that Buckley had politely turned down the opportunity to become a candidate to replace Brad Scott at Tullamarine.
Dean Cox talks to Swans Director of Coaching and Performance Simon Goodwin.AFL photo
Hird’s campaign to become Essendon coach again is gaining momentum.
Former Collingwood coach Buckley, whose side were seconds away from the 2018 premiership, has publicly stated his desire to become Tasmania’s first coach.
He was interviewed twice – once in October last year and once this month – and was shortlisted among the final three candidates, including former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley and Sydney premiership coach John Longmire.
Buckley officially returned to coaching this year after being offered a job as Chris Scott’s assistant at Geelong, with the former Championship midfielder now leading the Cats’ defensive line.
Nathan Buckley is Geelong’s assistant coach. Getty Images
Hird, on the other hand, has been out of the AFL coaching system for over a decade, preferring instead to work in the VFL program with Port Melbourne.
Scott, who had experience playing against Hird during his time with the Brisbane Lions, raised eyebrows across the industry when asked about Buckley’s coaching record and his potential return to the top ranks.
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“I was impressed that he admitted that even with that passion, he realized how long he had been out of the coaching game and how much had changed,” Scott told reporters this week.
“I’m not sure, but I suspect (Buckley) decided some time ago that yes, he would like to be a senior coach again and that will only really happen if you go back to being an apprentice (assistant coach) and get comfortable with the modern game, it doesn’t matter who you are.
“In a way, every now and then I get a little amazed when Bucks goes around, but he didn’t use his authority to cut corners on the job he had to do.”
Tasmania, Essendon and Carlton continue to dominate the coaching field with all three expected to announce a leader by final day.
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“I’ve made it clear that I’m open to some conversations. I’ve had questions and I’ve spoken to Andrew Welsh. I’m not going to be involved in that process at the moment,” Goodwin told SEN ahead of the Swans’ defeat to Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.
“I’m enjoying my time in Sydney, continuing to develop, getting back into coaching and seeing where it takes me. It should feel good for both you and the club. As I sit here now, I won’t be involved in that process.”
“I will continue to develop and hopefully when the right opportunity comes, I will take it.”
Buckley turned down the Bombers’ offer to become a candidate, preferring to focus on his roles with Geelong and Fox Footy.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning journalist and AFL broadcaster.Connect via X or e-mail.