Carlton’s bid to secure a high-profile senior coach has hit yet another snag with Brad Scott officially taking up a role in the AFL instead of returning to the coaching ranks.
After the Blues had been knocked back by Alastair Clarkson and Ross Lyon, Scott had emerged as a frontrunner of sorts, and was described as the individual who “holds the key” to the coaching race last week.
READ MORE: Ben Simmons saga takes another twist after 76ers ‘backflip‘
Instead, Scott will help run a new-look AFL football department alongside former North Melbourne boss of club strategy, Laura Kane.
Both Scott and Kane will answer to the AFL’s long-time head of legal and integrity, Andrew Dillon, who will keep that role while also becoming the executive general manager of football.
As the AFL’s general manager of football, Scott will oversee the day-to-day operations, list management, umpires match review and rules.
When questioned over Scott’s decision between the Carlton and AFL job openings, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan stressed that he hadn’t discouraged the 45-year-old from going back into coaching.
“What I was really clear with in conversations, which I know went through his mind, was that if he wants to coach he should coach,” he said.
READ MORE: Schumacher feared death at 1999 British GP crash
“He’s made a decision that this is the path he wants to go down because he’s in the role.
“He had to earn this role. He interviewed in a strong field and he’s gone through a process and won this role.
“We’ve been on a journey with Brad for a while. He came out of coaching and I obviously regarded him highly for his considered views on footy, his values and who he was as a person.
“He decided then that he actually wanted to look at a role in administration outside coaching, so he came on board as the CEO of AFL Victoria on that journey.
“I think he’s landed in a great spot as a part of a team that will have a clear portfolio.”
Following Scott’s rejection, Carlton could be forced to go younger than originally intended in its coaching search.
Highly-regarded Essendon assistant Daniel Giansiracusa will be interviewed as a part of the search and is among several candidates who will be canvassed by the Blues.
Carlton has also been in touch with Port Adelaide senior assistant Michael Voss, while Richmond assistant Adam Kingsley, who was beaten out for the Collingwood job by Craig McRae, is also expected to be contacted.