Peter Bell emerges as contender to replace Graham Wright at Collingwood

The Pies have been hunting for an experienced figure to replace Graham Wright as footy boss, with three key names emerging as the frontrunners. JAY CLARK has the details.

Former Fremantle football boss Peter Bell has emerged as a candidate for Collingwood’s vacant footy manager position.

The Magpies are in the final stages of the process to appoint a new right-hand man for coach Craig McRae and could make an announcement on the job within the next fortnight.

Bell is in the mix for the gig after seven years at Fremantle in key head of football and talent and strategy roles.

Bell, who enjoyed a brilliant 286-game career at North Melbourne and Fremantle, left the Dockers this year after helping oversee the club’s rebuild and is eager to remain in football.

Peter Bell has left Fremantle.

Bell was involved in the Dockers’ football department for seven years.

The champion midfielder is one of three men being strongly considered including former Sydney Swans’ head of football Charlie Gardiner and Adelaide list manager and strategy boss Justin Reid.

Reid and Gardiner were known to be part of the process, but the Herald Sun understands Bell has also put his hand up for the role at Collingwood.

Gardiner has a background in law, while Reid is highly-experienced with more than 20 years working at the Crows in the talent department and at Elite Sports Properties in player management.

Graham Wright departed Collingwood and has since joined Carlton.

While Reid and Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly worked together at ESP and remain friends, their relationship is not considered a strong factor in Collingwood’s decision.

The new football boss will replace Graham Wright, who left the Magpies to become Carlton’s deputy CEO.

Collingwood wants a person in position to begin work in the new year as the Magpies attempt to bounce back into the eight in 2025.

It was reported Gardiner, who could also be considered for the Melbourne Demons’ CEO job, was the frontrunner for the role.

The Magpies could finalise their work on the candidates next week.