Nathan Bassett

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Mark Thompson said several months ago he was not interested in coaching the Bombers in 2014. However he has since changed his mind and will be the stand-in coach for the suspended James Hird. At a press conference he said the difference was spending time away, having a rest and coming back refreshed after the off-field turmoil of 2013. Former Adelaide champion Simon Goodwin has been promoted as the senior assistant while former Adelaide coach Neil Craig quit Melbourne with one year to run on a three year contract. Craig has signed a two year deal with the Bombers as coaching director. As of this writing, Essendon is interested in former Crow Nathan Bassett but Bassett, currently coaching SANFL club Norwood, has yet to make a decision. Two other former Crows, Hayden Skipworth and James Byrne, are also on Essendon's coaching staff.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Dean Cox (WCE) played his 239th game in Round 13. This puts him fourth on the list for most games by a player who was originally rookie-listed.

Knowing when it's time to go
St. Kilda champion Robert Harvey announced that he would retire at the end of the season. Harvey, who said telling his teammates was the hardest thing he had ever done, said he believed it was the right time to step aside to give younger players a chance and also said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children.