Panthers show interest in Bloods coach Andrew Collins after sacking Ron Fuller
WEST Adelaide coach Andrew Collins could stay in the SANFL next season after emerging as a candidate to take the reins at South Adelaide.
WEST Adelaide coach Andrew Collins could remain in the SANFL next season after emerging as a leading candidate to take the reins at South Adelaide.
Collins, who last week announced his intention to relinquish the Bloods job, is a strong chance to move to Noarlunga after the Panthers sacked Ron Fuller on Tuesday.
MORE: PANTHERS SACK RON FULLER
Refusing to comment on the vacant Panthers position, Collins said his sole focus was on the final two minor round games with the Bloods and then their attack on the finals.
But the Hawthorn premiership player did note he needed to find a job and would not rule out extending his stint in South Australia.
Collins has been with the Bloods for six years and took the club to last year's grand final. As well as being third on the ladder this season, the Bloods ended a lengthy title drought when they claimed the Foxtel Cup.
A former high performance manager with Cricket Victoria, Collins' ambition is to work in a similar role with an AFL club.
"I'd like to see AFL academies like those in European soccer,'' Collins said.
"There is an opportunity for experienced, mature and qualified coaches in development roles with AFL clubs.''
Fuller was released by the Panthers on Tuesday with one year remaining on his five-year contract.
The decision follows a consultation and review in the club's football performances which revealed a number of factors needed to be addressed for the club to realise its potential.
"The South Adelaide Football Club will be in the best position to do this with a new senior coach for 2014,'' a Panthers statement said.
The Panthers won 23 of 81 games under Fuller and are eighth on the ladder with two rounds remaining. Assistant coach Kym Cobb is likely to be in charge against Sturt at Unley on Sunday and they have the bye in the final round.
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