West Coast reportedly have a shortlist of eight coaching candidates as the Perth club continues its search for Adam Simpson's successor.
The process so far hasn't been smooth sailing for the Eagles, who have seen a number of highly-rated options decide against pursuing the senior coaching role.
None were bigger than club great and Sydney assistant Dean Cox, who stated he would not take part and instead would remain with the Swans early into West Coast's search.
Cox's ex-teammate and Carlton coach Ashley Hansen also decided against running for the vacancy, as did another former Eagles player in Jaymie Graham, who currently leads Fremantle's forward line.
Essendon's Daniel Giansiracusa, Port Adelaide's Josh Carr and former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley have also knocked any chance of taking the wheel at West Coast.
While Eagles CEO Don Pyke has been forced to draw a line through a large pool of coaching prospects, the West Coast boss isn't short on options.
Interim coach Jarrad Schofield underwent an inconsistent seven-game spell in charge of the Eagles to see out their 2024 campaign, winning two games and losing three games by at least 65 points.
According toย CODE Sports,ย Schofield remains in the mix for the permanent role as the Eagles prepare to narrow a current eight-candidate shortlist.
GWS assistant Brett Montgomery, Melbourne's Andrew McQualter, Western Bulldogs coach Brendon Lade, Brisbane football boss Danny Daly and Geelong's Steven King are all said to be in the sights of the Western Australian club, joining Schofield as six of the eight on the shortlist.
The publication's report suggests the Eagles will look to halve its shortlist in the coming weeks, however the pace of their process looks to be slowed down due to the number of candidates tied to clubs in the finals race.
Montgomery, King, Lade and Daly are still required at their respective clubs this September, with the latter duo potentially seeing their seasons come to an end as early as this week as they prepare for elimination finals.
King's Cats will face Port Adelaide this Thursday while Montgomery and the Giants prepare for a Sydney clash on Saturday.
McQualter, who was called on to lead Richmond in a caretaker role for the second half of last year following Damien Hardwick's resignation, has an open running to stake his claim alongside Schofield.
The 38-year-old won seven of his 13 games in charge of the Tigers in 2023 and was in the running to permanently replace Hardwick before Adem Yze got the nod.
