AFL still considering ‘Wharfie Time’ in GF; another flag coach out of Roos search — Daily

AFL chief Andrew Dillon with the latest on the potential for ‘Wharfie Time’ on grand final day.

Plus another premiership coach is reportedly out of the North Melbourne search. More in AFL Daily.

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‘WHARFIE TIME’ ON GF DAY STILL ON THE CARDS

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says the league is still considering ‘Wharfie Time’ for grand final day.

There’s been some talk that the Dockers’ ‘Wharfie Time’ in-stadium crowd spectacle wouldn’t be allowed on the final Saturday in September.

However Dillon says the league is still working through the possibility of approving it, along with Brisbane’s goal songs, after an operational meeting with the two grand final teams on Tuesday.

“We’re just working through the finer details of that with both the clubs at the moment. Because the grand final doesn’t have a home side per se, it’s a neutral game,” Dillon said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday night.

“So, how those goal celebrations play out and the potential for ‘Wharfie Time’, we’ve got to dot some I’s and cross some T’s there.

“There has been some reporting that it has been banned, (but) there hasn’t been a decision for or against at the moment. We’re working through it.”

Fremantle has used ‘Wharfie Time’ twice this year, most recently in the final 90 seconds of its semi-final win over Geelong at Optus Stadium.

“I didn’t think it was as big a deal as what it is. But, absolutely, it’s important for our fans. So, that’s why we’re looking at it through that lens,” Dillon added.

“But we’ve got to make sure it’s respectful of the football and everything else as well.

“That’s what we’re working through. If we have (players songs) for Brisbane, which has worked well, well then, what’s the Fremantle and how does that play out?”

ANOTHER FLAG COACH OUT OF ROOS RACE

Simon Goodwin is the latest premiership coach to withdraw interest in North Melbourne’s senior vacancy.

AFL Media reports Goodwin won’t pursue the Kangaroos gig after being contacted by the club.

It sees Goodwin join fellow flag-winning coaches and Kangaroos greats John Longmire and Adam Simpson in pulling out of the North process.

Geelong assistant and former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley remains as the only ex-senior coach still in the mix if he had interest in the role.

Goodwin joined Sydney this year as the club’s director of coaching after nine years at Melbourne. North footy boss Todd Viney was part of the coaching panel that appointed Goodwin as Paul Roos’ successor at the Demons.

The feel from the industry has been that North is more likely to hire a first-time coach, with Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham, Hawthorn’s Daniel Giansiracusa, Geelong’s James Kelly, Adelaide’s Murray Davis and North Melbourne’s Xavier Clarke seen as potential contenders.

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