- John Longmire has stepped down from his role as Sydney Swans senior coach
- It came after the Swans were thumped by Brisaben in the AFL Grand Final
- Ex-West Coast sensation Dean Cox will succede Longmire at the footy club
Footy great Kane Cornes has offered his verdict on the decision for Sydney Swans coach John Longmire to step down from his role at the club.
The 53-year-old opted to cut his tenure as the Swans boss short by a year, ending a distinguished 13-year spell as the clubs coaching chief, with Longmire having initially arrived at the club back in 2002 as an assistant.
Despite coaching the Swans to a premiership title in 2012, Longmire would fail to repeat the feat in the years that followed, taking his side to three Grand Finals, in 2014, 2016, 2022 and the latest in 2023, but could not win another flag.
Following their thumping by Brisbane in last season’s Grand Final, Cornes believes that his lack of premierships had begun to weigh heavy on the former North Melbourne full-forward, claiming that his relationship at the club ‘looked strained’.
‘To me it looked like he was somewhat burnt out and I’m not sure whether the relationship had been slightly strained, he was clearly on edge with the fallout of the last two grand final losses clearly weighing on him,’ Cornes said to Channel Seven News.
He is set to be succeeded by Dean Cox, who appeared to take command of Sydney’s war room during last week’s national draft – with Longmire noticeably not present.
‘With Dean Cox ready to go … whilst the timing’s not perfect, I think it’s the best move for the club and John,’ Cornes added.
‘As I said the relationship looked slightly strained so to have Dean come in with a fresh voice, more of maybe a modern outlook, he might be able to connect with the players in a different way to John and they might get some results of that.’
But considering his stature in the game, it is unlikely that Longmire will be out of action for long, with Cornes adding: ‘I think it’s really good for John Longmire.
‘There’s a number of coaches under pressure going into this year. There will be a job available for him in 12 motnhs’ time and he’ll be the most in-demand coach in waiting.’
Cornes subsequently outlined that there were several coaches around the league who could be in jeapordy of being succeeded by Longmire.
‘Michael Voss is under pressure, we know Matthew Nicks is under pressure, Ken Hinkley — albeit Josh Carr is going to takeover there. Who knows what happens at Fremantle.
‘John Longmire is going to be able to take his pick out of any of those clubs and if not them he’ll be the first coach of Tassie.
‘I would appoint him tomorrow if I was running a club, just because of the program he runs and to have a coach and footy club that has you competing every year.
‘I think this is perfect for him to take a year off, I don’t know if he wants to coach again, but if he does then there will be a number of clubs picking up the phone.’
Longmire appeared in front of the media on Tuesday where he delivered an emotional speech, talking reporters through his decision to part company with the Swans.
‘In making the decision to move on, it is important to me that I leave the role with the club in great shape, enjoying record crowds, a world-class HQ, a wonderful playing list, an experienced coaching team, and quality football department,’ Longmire said in a statement.
‘I had been wrestling with the decision about whether I would coach on for 2025 since about midway through last season.
‘After such a long time coaching, the week in, week out, really does start to wear on you. I feel that I need to step back from coaching to rest, reflect and regenerate.
‘I knew Dean was ready and it just made sense to hand over. It would have been nice to finish with a flag, as I did as a player, but that wasn’t to be.’
