John Barker among men most likely to replace Rodney Eade as coach of the Gold Coast Suns

AS the Gold Coast Suns begin their search to find a new senior coach, GLENN McFARLANE looks at the potential candidates — which includes some big fish. HAVE YOUR SAY

John Barker is considered a frontrunner for the Suns’ top job. Picture: AFL Media

THE Gold Coast Suns are looking for a third coach in seven years after the sacking of Rodney Eade.

Herald Sun football reporter Glenn McFarlane assesses the field.

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THE MAIN CONTENDERS

JOHN BARKER, 42

Highly-rated Blues assistant coach previously linked to Gold Coast. Narrowly lost out to Brendon Bolton as Carlton coach after leading the Blues in 14 games following Mick Malthouse’s exit in 2015, and also missed out to Chris Fagan at the Brisbane Lions. Recently signed a new two-year deal with Carlton, but it won’t stand in his way if he knew a senior gig was his for the taking.

STUART DEW, 37

Has been a senior coach-in-waiting for a number of years, given his strong record as a strategic/midfield coach with the Swans. Didn’t apply for the Brisbane Lions job late last year, reaffirming his commitment to Sydney. Has consistently stated he is no rush for a senior position and will only chase a position at a club he considers the right fit for him.

Swans assistant coach Stuart Dew is considered a coach-in-waiting. Picture: Phil Hillyard

BRETT RATTEN, 46

Mark Evans has first-hand experience of Ratten’s qualities as a coach from his time at Hawthorn. Won 60 of his 120 games as coach of Carlton between 2007 and 2012, taking the club to three successive finals appearances. Was stiff to be dumped after one poor year and replaced by Mick Malthouse. Is desperate for his second chance after five years as an assistant coach under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn.

THE BIG FISH

BRAD SCOTT, 41

Contracted to North Melbourne until the end of next season, and while the Kangaroos are yet to start the conversation about a new deal, chairman Ben Buckley has insisted he isn’t going anywhere. Knows the Queensland market well, having spent nine years as a player with the Lions. Has led the Kangaroos into four finals series (for two preliminary finals) from his eight seasons at the helm.

Brad Scott knows the Queensland market, but looks likely to stay at North. Picture: AAP

KEN HINKLEY, 50

Seems it might be nigh-impossible to prise Hinkley out of Alberton, despite the fact he only has one year remaining on his contract with the Power, with the club yet to start negotiations on a new deal. However Eade’s departure forced Port onto the front foot on Tuesday night, with president David Koch declaring Hinkley would not be poached by the Suns.

NATHAN BUCKLEY, 45

Still no certainty to keep his job at Collingwood after six seasons in charge, though there is now a feeling he could yet hold on. Well regarded at AFL headquarters, he could be an option if the Magpies go in a different direction.

PIE IN THE SKY OPTION?

ALASTAIR CLARKSON, 49

As much as Mark Evans and the Gold Coast would have already made the call to check out his availability, the four-time premiership coach is almost certainly staying at Hawthorn, long beyond the end of his present deal.

Alastair Clarkson ... the Suns can dream. Picture: Matt Turner

THE CARETAKER

DEAN SOLOMON, 37

Has the last three games of the season — against Brisbane Lions, Essendon and Port Adelaide — to prove himself. Knows the club and the list intimately and is one of the recent success stories of the AFL’s Level Four coaching course. The negative might be he has been at Gold Coast since 2011.

Caretaker coach Dean Solomon is highly regarded in AFL circles. Picture: Getty Images

OTHERS IN THE MIX

MICHAEL VOSS, 42

Once touted as a possible first coach of the Suns, Voss instead coached the Lions for five seasons, making the finals in his first season before tumbling down the ladder. Since being replaced, he has worked as an assistant coach under Hinkley at Port Adelaide. Still harbours “a burning desire” to coach and believes he would be better at a second attempt.

BLAKE CARACELLA, 40

Considered a star in the making by some in the industry. Was very good at Geelong across seven seasons and has already made a strong impact in his first year at Richmond. The former Bombers and Lions premiership player has been responsible for midfield spread and ball movement with the Tigers this year — both big ticks.

ADAM KINGSLEY, 41

Another who is building a good profile as a future AFL coach, having spent time at his former club Port Adelaide before crossing to St Kilda in 2011.

SIMON LLOYD, 47

Has worked at four AFL clubs in many and varied roles. Is Geelong’s director of coaching and has long harnessed a desire to coach at senior level.

Rodney Eade's record - the coaching years

Originally published as John Barker among men most likely to replace Rodney Eade as coach of the Gold Coast Suns