Potential West Coast coaching candidate Ash Hansen has responded to questions on the Eagles vacancy and whether he would take a call from the club currently searching for Adam Simpson's successor.

Hansen was one of the first few names raised as ideal contenders for the job, with the West Coast premiership player among the leading assistant coaches across the AFL landscape.

The 41-year-old has been coaching for over a decade, having started his post-playing career with the Western Bulldogs, where he led VFL affiliate Footscray to a premiership in 2016.

Hansen joined Carlton at the end of 2021 and has since stepped into a senior assistant role under Michael Voss, adding further strings to his decorated coaching bow.

The former Eagles forward has been tied to senior coaching roles in the past, including the GWS job two years ago before the spot was filled by current Giants mentor Adam Kingsley.

Quizzed on his interest in the West Coast job and stepping into a senior post byย 7 News,ย Hansen played a straight bat, noting his love for his current role with the Blues and the need for the timing to be right for the next move in his coaching career.

"I appreciate the interest and the question. But out of respect for the job I do now, my eyes are solely focused on trying to get my team up and support Vossy," Hansen said on Friday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Ashley Hansen, Senior Assistant Coach of the Blues addresses his players during the 2022 AFL Round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 24, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"With every year that passes, you build more and more experience. That doesn't have an expiry date. I've been given a lot of opportunity here and at the Bulldogs to really build my craft. So I'm learning every year and really enjoying it.

"There is plenty of opportunity in the competition. When those opportunities come along you're never sure, it has to be the right time. I'm just loving what I'm doing here and getting better every week."

When asked if he would take a call from West Coast, Hansen respectfully declined to offer a categorical answer.

"I think out of respect for what I'm doing now and respect for any club's process, I'd keep that confidential," the Blues assistant said.

"I'm a respectful person, and as I've said previously I'll continue to be that way."

West Coast's coaching hunt took a major hit over the past week, with leading candidate Dean Cox stating his desire to remain with Sydney and therefore turn down the chance to return to his old club.

Port Adelaide assistant Josh Carr has also put a line through a Perth return, while his own senior coach, Ken Hinkley, has swatted away questions on West Coast rumours tying him to the role.

Joining Hansen as potential candidates to succeed Simpson include GWS assistant Brett Montgomery and ex-Eagles assistant Adrian Hickmott.

West Coast caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield is also likely to be considered but will need to impress in his dress rehearsal over the next five weeks as he sees out the 2024 season in the hot seat.