‘It doesn’t feel right’: Simpson says Carlton coaching job is not for him

Adam Simpson’s decision to rule himself out of contention for the Carlton coaching job is a significant development in the AFL. His reluctance to put his hand up for the role suggests that the Blues’ situation is far more complex and sensitive than initially meets the eye.

Simpson’s comments on Fox Footy were refreshingly candid. He said he wouldn’t pursue the coaching job due to a sense of propriety and respect for the current coaching staff, as well as his own role as a mentor within the club. This decision underscores the elephant in the room: the departure of Michael Voss, which has created an air of uncertainty around Carlton’s coaching future.

The Blues’ poor start to the season has put the spotlight on Voss’s tenure, and Simpson’s decision to distance himself from the role is a tacit acknowledgment that the situation requires careful handling. It’s worth noting that Simpson’s exit doesn’t necessarily mean he will never coach again; rather, it suggests his priorities lie elsewhere for now.

The Carlton coaching saga has played out against the backdrop of a broader narrative about the AFL’s leadership and accountability. The league’s decision to enforce salary cap rules has sparked debate among clubs and coaches, with some arguing that compliance stifles innovation and creativity in the game. Chris Scott acknowledged the importance of transparency and cooperation between clubs and the AFL, while cautioning against “innuendo, half-truths, and extrapolations” arising from public commentary.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Sy Giang Nguyen’s alleged fraud has cast a shadow over Geelong’s administration, with Scott and Mackie under scrutiny for their travel arrangements. While the club was cleared of wrongdoing in terms of player payments and third-party deals, the audit’s findings have raised questions about the Cats’ accountability and transparency.

As the AFL season approaches its mid-point, it’s clear that the Blues’ coaching crisis won’t be resolved anytime soon. Simpson’s decision to exit the running has opened up a new chapter in the saga, but it also highlights the need for Carlton to regroup and reassess their priorities. The club would do well to examine the underlying issues driving this leadership vacuum – rather than simply searching for a quick fix or silver bullet solution.

The spotlight will now shift to Ken Hinkley, who hasn’t ruled himself out of contention for the role despite giving a ringing endorsement for John Longmire. It remains to be seen whether he can bring stability and direction to the Blues. Only time will tell what’s next in this saga – but one thing is certain: the Carlton coaching drama is far from over, and the AFL community will continue to watch with interest as the story unfolds.