James Kelly prioritises Carlton senior coach role, may skip Essendon job

Geelong assistant coach and three‑time premiership player James Kelly has made the vacant senior coaching position at Carlton his priority and is unlikely to become a candidate for the same role at Essendon. Kelly, who retired from playing at Essendon in 2017 and later served as an assistant there, has put his name forward for the Carlton job, which is currently held on an interim basis by caretaker Josh Fraser.

Carlton is interviewing a shortlist that includes St Kilda assistant Corey Enright, Geelong colleague James Rahilly, Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham, Hawthorn assistant Daniel Giansiracusa and others. Essendon’s search remains open, with former club champion James Hird already declaring his candidacy and additional names such as ex‑player Hayden Skipworth, Mark McVeigh and former coach Ken Hinkley being mentioned, though several have ruled themselves out or are focusing on other opportunities.