WEST Coast is bracing for list manager Brady Rawlings' departure back to North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos have reportedly targeted Rawlings to replace Cameron Joyce as football manager and Eagles coach Adam Simpson confirmed his former North teammate was in talks for a return to Arden Street.
NEW BROOM Joyce to follow Brad Scott out the Arden St door
"I'm not sure what the current status is but I know that he's been approached by North and they're working through that at the moment," Simpson said.
"It would be really disappointing to see him go. He's one of my best friends and has done a great job for our club.
"I'm not quite sure if it's been sorted out yet, but I think there's conversations happening."
"He's still doing that (Eagles list management) role now. Until we work through it and see where he's at, then I can do his eulogy later on."
Rawlings' friendship with Simpson was the sole reason he agreed to head west and join the Eagles ahead of the 2014 campaign, telling AFL.com.au at the time he was at the stage where he expected to remain at the Roos for the rest of his life.
Brady Rawlings (right) with Adam Simpson and North teammate Corey Jones after Simpson's last game. Picture: AFL Photos
The 245-gamer started as midfield coach at West Coast before moving back into list management at the end of 2016.
Rawlings had worked in recruiting and development at North Melbourne after retiring from playing at the end of 2011.
The Eagles have a strong North Melbourne flavour, with Daniel Pratt (backline coach) and Drew Petrie, who works in game development and coaching, also at the club.
MID-YEAR ALL AUSTRALIAN Who makes the cut from your team?
Simpson confirmed the Kangaroos had approached him to gauge his interest in taking over once senior coach Brad Scott departed a month ago.
"A brief conversation a long time ago, which was put to bed pretty quick," Simpson said.
"I think they're just doing their due diligence, so I'm happy where I am at the moment."
Sydney coach John Longmire, who played 200 games for North, is viewed as the frontrunner to take over at his former club.
Find AFL Exchange on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
