Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth has reportedly pulled out of the running to become the head coach of Melbourne.
The Demons are conducting a comprehensive process in their efforts to replace Simon Goodwin, with a list of 15 names understood to be cut back to six, with Nathan Buckley considered the frontrunner.
The 42-year-old Skipworth played 55 games with the Crows and Bombers as a small forward before moving into coaching, initially with Essendon.
Honing his craft in the VFL, Skipworth joined the Pies in 2020 to work with the midfield and has moved up the ranks since Craig McRae came on board in 2022.
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The man known as ‘Skippy’ narrowly missed out to Andrew McQualter for West Coast’s top job last year and was considered right in the thick of the Demons’ race.
But he has instead chosen to remain a senior assistant with the Pies, according to Channel 7 footy reporter Mitch Cleary.
“Collingwood assistant coach Hayden Skipworth has opted not to pursue the Melbourne coaching job – informing the Demons he won’t be interviewing,” Cleary wrote on X.
“Was runner-up for the WCE job last year & seen as a future senior coach given high regard at Pies. His time will come.”
Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan discussed the decision on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, saying the move caught the Dees off guard.
“Melbourne were surprised to learn he wanted to go out,” Gullan said.
“The interviews started on Monday morning and Nathan Buckley was one of the first ones there … it (Skipworth’s call) shocked the Demons.”
Former Collingwood coach Buckley is considered the man most likely to earn the role, while Brendon Lade, James Kelly, Steven King and Daniel Giansiracusa remain in the mix.
There was a mixed reaction to Skipworth’s decision on X.
Finn Webb tweeted: “Will be a career assistant if your knocking back opportunities.”
Catherine wrote: “Damn, I reckon he would have been good.”
KCN added: “He knows Bucks has the job 100% locked away.”
The Demons are expected to name their new head coach early next week, ahead of next month’s trade period.
