Longmire out of Kangaroos race Sydney deal cuts down North's options

A MALTHOUSE-Buckley style coaching pact in which John Longmire will succeed Paul Roos as Swans coach at the end of next season has ensured the North Melbourne hunt for its senior coach is down to a race in three.

Crocker tastes win after tough losses

DARREN Crocker will put his case for the North Melbourne job this week with at least a little knowledge of what it's like to be a successful AFL coach after a 62-point win over Melbourne gave the Kangaroos their first joy since Dean Laidley's resignation after round 12.

Hardwick holds coaching trump

HAWTHORN assistant coach Damien Hardwick could hold the key to the Richmond and North Melbourne coaching jobs.