Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Dean Solomon says he has not spoken to James Hird about any Essendon coaching plan, despite his name being linked to a possible future staff under the Bombers great.
The Essendon caretaker coach was caught by surprise this week as reports named him, Mark McVeigh, Dyson Heppell, Hayden Skipworth and James Kelly among figures tied to Hird’s coaching talk.
For more AFL news, read Cody Weightman Return Gives Western Bulldogs Lift Before Hawthorn Clash.
Solomon Keeps Focus On Essendon
"The first I heard of it was yesterday when someone told me at the footy club," Solomon said on Thursday.
"I haven't spoken to Hirdy about football at all."
Hird has shown interest in becoming Essendon’s next full-time coach, though he later denied he was building a coaching group.
"My sole focus right now is with this football club, with these players and staff," said Solomon, who has kept his coaching ambitions close to his chest.
"I can't look outside that bubble, it'd be distracting for me, and I wouldn't be doing the right thing."
Bombers Eye Carlton Test
Essendon’s board will ask the AFL for a priority pick after the club won just one of its past 25 games. Official league updates can be followed through the AFL website.
"The board would have done a huge amount of work in working out the why," Solomon said.
"We feel like we can potentially apply for that. I just think it doesn't hurt to ask the question to find out."
Essendon now turn to Sunday night’s MCG meeting with Carlton, who have won three straight games since Josh Fraser replaced Michael Voss on an interim basis.
"We've got plenty of games to go this year. We want to prove something as a football club," Solomon said.
"We want to hit the finishing line with momentum."
Fraser said his stance on the Carlton job has not changed.
"I do respect the question, but no, I haven't changed my mind," Fraser said.
Essendon are set to regain Sam Durham and Mason Redman, but Darcy Parish is out with knee soreness and Archie May faces time out after dislocating his shoulder.