Mark Thompson and Gary Ablett are set to be reunited at AFL club Gold Coast, with the Suns sacking coach Guy McKenna on Wednesday.
McKenna’s position had been in immense jeopardy following a recent review of the club’s football department.
Suns chairman John Witheriff swung the axe this week, despite the two-time West Coast premiership player having a year to run on his contract.
“Guy was naturally disappointed but, as he has done since being appointed in August 2008, he put the interests of the club and our future ambitions first,” Witheriff said.
Thompson, who filled in for suspended Essendon coach James Hird this season, remains off contract.
Thompson coached Geelong to two premierships and is considered McKenna’s likely replacement, bookmakers rating him a $1.10 favourite.
Such a move would force Thompson to rebuild a strong bond with Ablett, their relationship having become strained in 2010.
Ablett ended a season of speculation by walking out on the Cats and becoming the Suns’ inaugural skipper.
“I think it would have been the best decision for him to stay long term, but that’s only my opinion,” Thompson said at the club’s best and fairest awards night in 2010.
Thompson himself followed Ablett out the door, joining Essendon to become Hird’s mentor.
In December that year, Ablett revealed the pair rarely spoke during the season.
“I just think it’s time he moved on, and stopped comparing his move to my move,” Ablett said at the time.
The Bombers were expected to retain Thompson in a senior post, with captain Jobe Watson last month saying it was the “obligation of the club … to find the right role for him”.
Thompson suggested in the past few weeks he was keen to stay at Essendon, but McKenna’s exit has cast doubt on that stance.
McKenna departs with an overall coaching record of 24 wins from 88 games, but those numbers do little to describe the young players he has developed.
The Suns looked set for their maiden finals campaign this season, the club’s fourth at AFL level, until Ablett’s season-ending shoulder injury in round 16.
Gold Coast posted a dramatic victory over Collingwood in the match where Ablett was hurt, but managed only one win from the next seven rounds and faded to 12th.
In a statement, McKenna suggested success for the Suns “is not too far away”.
“The club has every right to pursue a direction it believes will give it the best chance of continued improvement,” he said.
“Although I leave with a heavy heart, I am content that I have helped develop a unique group of players.
“I leave with some great memories and strong friendships and I know they will remain despite my early departure.”
Witheriff paid tribute to McKenna.
“The fact that the Gold Coast Suns are now respected by our rivals in the AFL is due in no small part to the contribution Guy has made as our first senior coach,” he said.
