Geelong assistant coach James Kelly is not concerned about the speculation surrounding James Hird and the Essendon coaching vacancy, stating that the Bombers' process is their own business. After missing out on the Melbourne senior coaching role to fellow Cats assistant Steven King last year, Kelly has gained valuable perspective.
Kelly's Perspective on Coaching Opportunities
Joking about whether he wore the wrong shirt to his interview with the Demons, Kelly emphasized that his primary focus is on continuing to develop in his role at Geelong. The Bombers have yet to outline the process for selecting next year's senior coach, and Hird's public interest has raised concerns that it might deter other candidates.
"If they decide that James is going to be part of the process and then they want another James to be part of the process, then you just make the decision then," Kelly said on Thursday morning. "You can't be worried about competing ... they're not just going to hand you one. I was an Essendon supporter. I loved James Hird — we'll see how he goes."
Kelly's Ambitions and Self-Reflection
Kelly, a three-time Geelong premiership player who ended his 313-game career at Essendon, remains keen to become a senior coach. With Carlton also in the market for a new coach, there is a strong chance he will apply again. However, Kelly is careful to note that the decision is not solely his.
"If it doesn't work in the short term, I'm not crying about it," he said. "Just improve myself generally, as a person, as a coach — if I have that attitude I will end up where I want to be, without saying 'that's where I want to be and I'm going to work backwards from that'. One thing you have to be careful of — it's their process ... to come up with. I can't get involved in that at all, saying 'well, you should interview me', or 'I have an expectation to be interviewed', just because I went for the Melbourne job last year."
Kelly made it clear he is delighted that King is doing well at the Demons. But he admitted to plenty of self-analysis after missing out. "Kingy wore a blue shirt, I wore a green shirt. Maybe it's just how my mind works — you end up just thinking about everything," Kelly said. "I don't think he's too bad, but always with those situations ... it's best to get them out of the building so it doesn't spread."
Team Updates
Kelly deputized for Cats senior coach Chris Scott at his weekly pre-game media conference. Scott is unwell, but Kelly said the mentor would "definitely" coach the Cats in Friday night's home game against Gold Coast. Kelly also confirmed that with defender Tom Stewart out due to concussion, Lawson Humphries will take his place against the Suns.
