Nathan Bassett keeps Bombers in holding pattern
NORWOOD coach Nathan Bassett's new suitor in the AFL is Essendon.
NATHAN Bassett's new suitor in the AFL is Essendon.
The Norwood premiership mentor is a contender to be part of the new Bombers coaching panel that is expected to work under Mark Thompson while James Hird serves his AFL ban to late August.
This follows North Melbourne withdrawing its offer to add Bassett to the Kangaroos' coaching staff because of financial constraints that cut Bassett's original contract in half to $80,000.
Essendon assistant coach Simon Goodwin this week is due in Adelaide to meet his former Crows team-mate while Bassett is preparing Norwood for its SANFL grand final.
Bassett insisted his commitment to the Redlegs would stop him going to Windy Hill this week when the Bombers hope to name Hird's stand-in coach and a new panel that is expected to include former Essendon player and Fremantle coach Mark Harvey.
"I'm certainly not meeting anyone from Essendon in Victoria this week," said Bassett.
"It's grand final week - and I'd rather focus on that. I have a fair bit of work to do."
But Bassett did not dismiss the prospect of being an Essendon assistant coach next year.
"They need some coaches ...," he said.
Of his AFL prospects that began last year with the chance to join Fremantle, Bassett said: "I'm still hoping opportunities open up.
"Hopefully, that will be next week - I've not spoken to my manager (about those opportunities) this week.
"If not, I'll be coaching Norwood (next year)."
Bassett is seeking to become the first Norwood coach since Magarey Medallist Tom Leahy in 1922-23 to lead the Redlegs to consecutive SANFL flags.
But in an unusual match-up with North Adelaide, both grand final coaches - Bassett and Magarey Medallist Josh Francou - could be in the AFL next season.
Francou certainly will after last month accepting a development role with Sydney.
Essendon's search for a stand-in coach while Hird serves his 12-month suspension for the supplements saga at Windy Hill has become easier with Thompson agreeing to return to senior coaching.
"I said (to the club) that I'd help in any way,'' the Geelong premiership coach said.
"If they want to go down a different track that's fine. If they want me to coach, I'd seriously consider it. I'm just worried about the club. Have I got my hunger back? I don't know, we'll find out.''
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