Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth emerges as West Coast Eagles coach frontrunner

Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth has emerged as the new leading candidate in a shock twist to the West Coast coach hunt.

It is understood the 41-year-old — who was yet to be mentioned as a contender — has become a focus of the Eagles selection panel.

Sources told 7NEWS he had impressed the panel with his focus on development, modern game plan principles and player connection.

Skipworth has been part of the Collingwood coaching make up since 2020, playing a key role in the Pies’ 2023 premiership success under Craig McRae. He also has development experience, having previously taken charge of Collingwood’s talent academy.

Skiporth also spent time on the Essendon coaching staff under former West Coast coach John Worsfold and previously led the Bombers VFL team.

As a player, he represented the Crows and Bombers in 55 games.

Andrew McQualter and Stephen King were believed to be the other candidates in the race.

It’s been 70 days since the Eagles and Adam Simpson parted ways, and several high-profile candidates have ruled themselves out of the process since then.

Eagles legend Dean Cox was the first to publicly turn down the top job and has since doubled down on his refusal. Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Port Adelaide assistant Josh Carr also pulled out of the race.

Ken Hinkley had also been linked to the role, with reports he could have been moved on had they exited the finals in straight sets.

Interim coach Jarrad Schofield’s stocks appear to have fallen after big losses to Carlton and Geelong to finish the season, taking the shine off wins over Gold Coast and North Melbourne.

The caretaker leader was a favourite among supporters and was believed to be popular among the playing group. Schofield previously stated he would remain on as an assistant if he was not appointed head coach.

GWS assistant Brett Montogmery is reportedly also on the Eagles’ radar but talks were said to be delayed by the Giant’s finals run.