Eagles' interim Jarrad Schofield has grown into warm favouritism to secure the vacant West Coast coaching job, with several notable candidates, including former premiership players, dropping out of the race.
The rejections from Dean Cox, Ash Hansen and Daniel Giansiracusa have coincided with a two-game win streak for West Coast, with wins over Gold Coast and North Melbourne raising the Schofield stock.
The 49-year-old refuses to make any brash statements about his desire to secure the job but is optimistic about the future of the club.
โWhen I was endorsed as the caretaker I said I was excited. And I am. I am focused on the now, on helping our players getting better," the interim said on Friday.
"Our club has a process to go through and I respect that. What I am excited about is what we have seen over the last period of time.
โI'm a people person and I have built relationships. This role has allowed me to spread my love for the players. I think we have coaches with strong relationships with players and you get through the tough times with those strong relationships.
โAs I said, we've had casual conversations with the club but out of respect we are not going into deep conversations out of the role I am completing now.โ
The focus out West goes no further than this Sunday at Optus, where the Eagles hope to end Carlton's season; a glaring possibility given their ongoing injury crisis.
โEvery team has first-choice players out. That's why you have a list of 40, but let's not lose sight of what they do have in that side. We're under no illusions about Carlton,โ Schofield shared.
โThey've announced a debutant, that brings excitement to the group. They have lost a few players in the forward line, but they have most of the same players in the midfield and backline.โ
โIt's a great opportunity to go against a quality midfield led by Cripps. Our players know what they're coming against, and they are strong in contest and clearance.โ
West Coast are not without their own list concerns. Star defender Tom Barrass and emerging youngster Luke Edwards may have both already played their final games for the club.
Barrass has not been named in the Round 23 lineup, battling back and hamstring concerns which could end his season prematurely before a potential off-season move.
22-year-old Edwards faces a worrying wait to confirm the future of his playing career after suffering a third concussion in season 2024, ruling him out for the season and hopefully not killing off his career entirely.
โThere is a lot of talk (about Barrass) externally, but that's not what is going on inside the walls. We're working on getting him right to play as soon as possible,โ the Eagles interim stated.
โ(Edwards) has had his third concussion for the year. Our medical team are working through that to get the best outcome for his health.โ
A more positive story for the upcoming clash is that of Andrew Gaff, who will play out his farewell match on Sunday in front of the adoring Optus Stadium crowd.
His farewell may come as a bitter pill for disheartened Bomber fans, who will not get the same chance to show their love for beloved outgoing veteran Dyson Heppell, Friday night at Marvel Stadium.
Schofield is putting no pressure on Gaff to go above and beyond in his final outing, though the players will undoubtedly look to chair their All-Australian off with an upset victory of the highest order.
โAll we want Gaffy to do is to play his role and hopefully his teammates honour him by playing their roles too. Then hopefully the outcome takes care of itself,โ Schofield said.
โThe courage he has showed over his career. He has averaged over 25 possessions per game for over 279 games.โ
โHopefully it's going to be a memorable moment for Andrew, a man who has given such terrific service to our football club. And for Jamie who has played total 250 games too.โ
