Peter Sumich and Simon Lloyd could depart Fremantle, being targeted by rival AFL clubs

FREMANTLE could lose two top-end coaches with senior assistant Peter Sumich and development boss Simon Lloyd being targeted by rival clubs.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Dockers assistant coach Peter Sumich looks ahead during the Second AFL Qualifying Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at Simonds Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

FREMANTLE could lose two top-end coaches less than a month from summer training with senior assistant Peter Sumich and development boss Simon Lloyd targets for appointments at rival clubs.

Sumich heads to Melbourne this week to interview for the Western Bulldogs senior coaching job, while Lloyd is a front-runner to be football manager at Collingwood.

Lloyd, 44, is contracted at Fremantle until the end of next season but is highly regarded at Collingwood where was development coach before joining Fremantle five years ago.

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Lloyd is a candidate to replace Rodney Eade who was appointed Gold Coast head coach this week.

Sumich, 47, is on a short list that includes Dogs assistant and former player Brett Montgomery, Hawthorn premiership backline coach Luke Beveridge and highly regarded Sydney and North Melbourne assistant Leigh Tudor.

Simon Lloyd is contracted at Fremantle but is highly regarded at Collingwood.

Sumich held preliminary discussions with Adelaide officials early last month after Brenton Sanderson was dumped and before former West Coast tactical expert Phil Walsh was appointed to coach the Crows.

The experienced assistant who spent 10 years as right-hand man to John Worsfold and three seasons under Dockers boss Ross Lyon was subsequently asked to take over as director of coaching at Adelaide with Walsh.

The two-times Eagles premiership key forward and midfields coach when West Coast won the 2006 flag, declined the Crows offer with ambitions to win a senior appointment of to stay in his support role with Lyon.

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said Sumich had broad experience from a winning playing and coaching culture and enhanced his prospects working alongside Lyon at Fremantle.

Peter Sumich is the best senior coach not coaching, according to West Coast’s Trevor Nisbett.

He says Sumich is “a winner” and ready to be a senior coach after a playing career under coaching guru Mick Malthouse.

“Peter Sumich is the best coach that is not coaching,” Nisbett said.

“He’s got all the experience. He’s ready to go and has been for a couple of years. Pete understands the game well, he’s a winner, he’s worked under some terrific coaches and played under one of the best.

“He’s ready to go. He’s a football coach.

“He’s got so much natural talent with what he does. I’d be delighted if Peter got an opportunity.”

Nisbett revealed that Sumich has been briefed on why West Coast management opted to appoint Adam Simpson as Worsfold’s replacement last year.

“We’ve discussed all of those issues with Peter and they’re better off left with Pete,” he said.

Originally published as Peter Sumich and Simon Lloyd could depart Fremantle, being targeted by rival AFL clubs