Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth backed by former Magpies midfielder Chris Mayne to coach West Coast
Leading West Coast coaching candidate Hayden Skipworth’s personable skills and tactical nous has him backed as the ideal man to navigate the Eagles through the next stage in their rebuild.
Skipworth emerged as the bolter to become the Eagles’ next coach on Monday, with the Magpies assistant believed to be leading former Richmond caretaker coach Andrew McQualter and Geelong midfield coach Steven King.
The former Adelaide and Essendon player has built a strong resume as an assistant coach, working under West Coast great John Worsfold at Essendon, while he was also the coach of their VFL affiliate the Bendigo Bombers from 2013 to 2016.
Former Collingwood star Chris Mayne worked with Skipworth, who has been an assistant at Collingwood since 2020, across two seasons before he retired at the end of 2021.
The former Fremantle forward said Skipworth’s strengths were his approachability and relationship building with players.
“I always thoroughly loved working with him at Collingwood … just his knowledge and nous, I felt like he spoke really well,” Mayne, who has transitioned into coaching through South Fremantle and the Mayne Academy, said.
“As a player you understood exactly what he was after and I thought at the time, when I was thinking about transitioning into coaching, I loved the way he set up his ability to do player feedback, do line meetings and stuff like that was first class. It was easy to connect with him.”
Mayne said Skipworth’s strengths would complement the young list the Eagles were building after a lean past three seasons.
“He’s done numerous roles at the club (Collingwood) with the way they work and how their coaches shift through different lines,” he said.
“He’s built a well-rounded approach to coaching and his ability to connect with the playing group and people around him is fantastic.
“Where West Coast are trying to transition and build up to be a powerhouse club again, that support they have behind them I think he’d be a great man to lead them for the foreseeable future.”
Skipworth and McQualter are reported to be interviewed by the Eagles coaching panel this week, while King’s involvement is set to be delayed until the Cats are out of the premiership race.
Camera IconChris Mayne in action. Credit: Daniel Pockett/via AFL Photos
It could mean the Eagles don’t make a decision on their next coach until after this year’s grand final, despite ideally wanting the process to be completed this month.
The search for a new coach is believed to be holding up several decisions including the potential recruitment of Richmond duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham.
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