Interim West Coast coach Jarrad Schofield has revealed he is feeling more and more comfortable in the hot seat with each passing week, with his role as caretaker an opportunity to enhance his "ambitions to be a coach in the future".
While not privy to how the Eagles' coaching process will take shape over the coming weeks, Schofield is one of several candidates expected to put their hand up should West Coast show an interest of their own.
Having stepped into the role as the immediate successor to departed mentor Adam Simpson from Round 19 to the end of the current season, Schofield will be able to use his new position as a dress rehearsal for the future, whether that be with the Eagles or elsewhere.
The Perth club's form has fluctuated across its three matches under Schofield, having shown some promising form in games against Brisbane and Fremantle but overall unable to snap the club's current losing streak - which is now extended to nine matches.
Speaking on AFL 360, Schofield said he has been aided by the support of the club and its players over the past three weeks as he looks to offer a point of difference.
The 49-year-old said he has yet to hold discussions with the club in regards to what role he may have in the club's search process.
"I haven't really discussed [what my process will be] with the club, all I know is that every week you feel more comfortable in this position," Schofield revealed.
"I'm really enjoying it, as much as there have been ups and downs with the performances on the park. We haven't had the wins but (I'm) definitely enjoying it.
"The leadership group and the playing group are really supportive, we played some good footy on the weekend but as we've done all year we haven't been able to sustain it. The challenge that we have as a group is to be consistent week in and week out.
"I've tried to layer in a bit of my philosophy, how I coach and what my expectations are. It's only six weeks in the season but (I'm) definitely seeing this as an opportunity to solidify my thought process and my ambitions to be a coach in the future."
Schofield noted he has received "fantastic support" from CEO Don Pyke and the board since stepping into the caretaker position, but the club is keeping its cards close to its chest as the Eagles prepare to ramp up their search for Simpson's full-time replacement.
"[Don and I] haven't really discussed any of that," Schofield said.
"There has been fantastic support from Don and the board, getting feedback. There's just a process they'll go through but I'm not privy to any of that information at the moment."
Should Schofield be among the leading candidates for the job, he is expected to face competition from an array of assistants, including fellow ex-Eagles Jaymie Graham and Ash Hansen.
Graham, currently with Fremantle and a former assistant to Simpson at West Coast, confirmed his interest in the vacancy over the weekend, stating he would be "open" to hearing from the club.
Hansen fronted similar questioning but played a straight bat in his response, deciding against speaking directly on the matter.
West Coast great Dean Cox and Port Adelaide assistant Josh Carr have stated they will not pursue opportunities out West, expressing a desire to remain with their respective clubs for the foreseeable future.
The Eagles are yet to publically name a search committee for its search for a senior coach.