Jimmy Bartel may have an “itch to scratch” to get back into AFL club land, but has denied being contacted by Essendon at this stage.
Reports this week emerged linking the Geelong legend to the Bombers on a possible list of candidates James Hird would like to have on his team if he were to pitch his case to step into the vacant coaching role at the club.
James Hird and Jimmy Bartel pictured on Nine’s Footy Furnace. Footy Furnace
Hird made clear on Nine’s Footy Classified on Tuesday that he had not yet reached that stage in his pitch to the Bombers and hadn’t spoken to the club at all.
However, he did clarify that no person putting their name in the ring to accept that job at Essendon would enter the interview process without considering who they would bring onboard in their coaching team.
And while Bartel is open to getting back involved with a club he is the right fit, he revealed he has not been contacted by Hird or Essendon about any opportunities.
“I’m incredibly flattered,” he said, sitting next to Hird on Nine’s Footy Furnace.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone from Essendon, but I am very flattered.
“I think people know that I have always had an interest or an itch to get back into club land and do something … if the role was right.”
Bartel was quizzed on whether he would open the door if Hird did come knocking with an opportunity. Hird was not overly joyed to hear that question asked.
“Can we stop with the Team Hird,” Hird said with a laugh.
As for Bartel’s response, he swiftly moved on to the next topic on the panel’s list.
Jimmy Bartel is on the board of GWS Giants nna\mdinjaski
Bartel has experience working behind the scenes at club level, having joined the GWS Giants as their football director in 2018. He departed the role in 2024.
While with the Giants, he oversaw the club’s list management and coaching decisions, most notably working to bring on Adam Kingsley as head coach.
If he were to join Hird’s team, it has been reported that he made be called into an assistant coach or football director role.
As for now, aside from his media duties, he works as the head of football at Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne.