NORTH Melbourne recruit Jaidyn Stephenson has joined Robert Harvey as the club’s senior coach.
Collingwood assistant Harvey is in the mix for the role of Rhyce Shaw, who stepped down last month due to personal reasons.
Brisbane football manager David Noble and West Coast assistant Jaymie Graham have also been linked to the job at Kangaroos, although Graham recently confirmed his commitment to the Eagles in 2021.
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North is asked to appoint Shaw’s successor by the end of November.
Stephenson, who joined North from Collingwood during the trading session last week, worked for the Magpies for three seasons under St. Kilda legend Harvey.
He said the two-time Brownlow medalist was a strong candidate for his first coaching role in more than a decade as an assistant at multiple clubs.
“He’s one of the better guys I’ve met and he’s a really good person at building relationships,” said Stephenson.
“He also knows his footy very well.
“Harvs is a great candidate and I have no idea who will get it, but I hope he does.”
Stephenson was one of four players Collingwood dumped last week as part of the messy fire sale during the club’s trading period.
The 21-year-old, who accepted a five-year deal with North Melbourne, insisted he wasn’t concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the club’s senior manager position.
“I trust the judgment of the people who choose the coach that they choose a good person who will steer the club in the right direction,” said Stephenson.
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“I have great faith in the fact that the support staff (the new head coach) are great.
“I’ll support that and that made my decision (to go north) a lot easier.”
North’s coaching committee consists of CEO Ben Amarfio, soccer manager Brady Rawlings, board members Glenn Archer and Sonja Hood, leadership expert Terry Coyne and AFL premier coach Paul Roos.
