The race for Alastair Clarkson is reportedly set to conclude in the coming weeks, with a decision from the former Hawthorn mentor potentially landing as early as next week.
Clarkson has been an in-demand name for both the Kangaroos and Giants in recent months, the only two clubs currently without a senior coach for next season.
The Power have also been looped into the coaching market despite Ken Hinkley's contract status at Alberton, with Power bosses unable to guarantee his position for 2023.
The Roos have flagged a need to acquire an experienced senior coach to aid their list rebuild, while Clarkson, as well as multiple assistants, have met with the Giants in recent weeks.
While GWS search far and wide for their successor to Leon Cameron, it is understood North Melbourne are solely focused on Clarkson, prompting a tug-of-war with the Giants to secure the four-time premiership coach's signature.
The Giants' process has seemingly narrowed since they began their coaching hunt, with Melbourne's Adem Yze and Richmond's Adam Kingsley both in contention for the New South Wales job, while the likes of Ashely Hansen and Jamie Graham have declined to go through the process any further.
Recently speaking on 3AW, Giants chairman Tony Shepherd revealed the club are still working through their coaching search three months after Cameron's departure.
“There is a very strong field, we‘re going through the process now,” Shepherd said.
“It would be unfair to mention names or to mention the details, because we respect the confidentiality of the process. But we‘re going through a very professional process, much the same as we did when we appointed Leon 10 years ago.”
Unlike the Giants, the Roos aren't known to have a plan B in place as president Sonja Hood pushes to lure Clarkson to Arden Street without a selected sub-committee.
According to reporter Mitch Cleary, Clarkson could come to a decision in the next week, with Port Adelaide seemingly less likely to land the in-demand ex-coach as the Roos and Giants continue to tussle.
“The only sentiment I get is that Alastair Clarkson is likely to make his decision before the end of the home and away season,” Cleary told SEN.
“I think we’re going to know by next Friday. I think we’ll have a better understanding or a decision from Alastair Clarkson as to where he goes.
“If Port Adelaide wants get into that race they may need to make a call on Ken Hinkley but I think that’s looking increasingly unlikely.
“(North Melbourne) not talking to one other coach. They haven’t even formed a sub-committee."
Hinkley has been touted as a potential target for North Melbourne to consider should they lose out in their pursuit of Clarkson, with many calling for change at Port Adelaide after 10 years with Hinkley at the helm.
Port chairman David Koch recently declared the Power's 2022 campaign as arguably the club's worst in the past decade, adding further fire to the speculation around Hinkley's future.