Craig Hutchison cops grilling over Justin Longmuir’s contract as AFL coach stable grows

Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir has engaged high-profile manager Liam Pickering, sparking speculation that media mogul Craig Hutchison is quietly building another “monopoly”.

Pickering works for Hutchison’s Bravo Management, which now has Longmuir, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, Geelong coach Chris Scott, and former Sydney Swans coach John Longmire on its books.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Justin Longmuir secures new manager amid contract talks

Hutchison, who owns SEN, also employs new Tasmania Devils coach Ken Hinkley.

“I feel a monopoly coming on with you,” veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson said to Hutchison on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters .

Recently speaking on 3AW, Longmuir confirmed the appointment of Pickering, but downplayed suggestions it was solely about securing a new deal.

“I’ve clearly engaged a new manager. Liam Pickering is managing me now. It’s not necessarily based around getting me a new contract. There’s a number of things as a senior coach you hire a manager for,” Longmuir said.

But Longmuir’s comments have raised eyebrows, given the fact his “rolling contract” with the Dockers has been widely condemned by many commentators.

“In terms of Justin Longmuir, this is not just about exterior stuff. You’re going to be trying to negotiate a new deal for him,” Wilson said to Hutchison on The Agenda Setters .

But Hutchison refused to comment about Longmuir’s controversial contract.

“I don’t speak for Justin Longmuir or John Longmire, for that matter. Liam Pickering looks after the coaches,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison does, however, personally manage Mitchell, and Wilson stressed that Pickering worked for Hutchison and Longmuir was now under his “umbrella”.

“(Liam) looks after Justin specifically. So I don’t offer any view on that or comment, other than to say, Perth is a great marketplace for sport, and he’s a pretty important figure in the town,” Hutchison said.

Seven’s AFL expert Kane Cornes, who has been critical of Longmuir’s rolling contract, said the Freo coach would undoubtedly have a new contract come Round 1 next year.