Former West Coast captain Steve Malaxos is confident in the current candidates in the race to become the next head coach, believing there’s plenty of good options out there.
West Coast have been searching for Adam Simpson’s successor since mutually parting ways with him in July and have been shortlisting candidates, including numerous assistant coaches from clubs participating in finals.
Formal presentations from candidates are due to commence within the coming weeks, before they move into the interview process in front of the panel.
However, the club appears to be holding their cards close to their chest, with little information, except that they are on track to announce a coach next month, being revealed.
Speaking on SportFM, Malaxos noticed the lack of noise being made from the club, but speculates the ball will start rolling again once a decision is made on the coaching front.
“Adam Simpson was replaced eight to ten weeks ago. Usually there’s stronger leaks and you find out this guy’s definitely been interviewed and photos or vision of guys arriving at the airport to get interviewed or things like that but it’s been very tight to the Eagles camp about the coaching,” he said.
“I think they’re waiting on the coaching announcement before they move on quite a few of the player decisions.
“I’m sure that there’s been lots of discussions in the background but I think the dominoes will tumble pretty quickly once the new coaches announce.”
Assistant coaches Steven King (Geelong) and Brett Montgomery (GWS) have been linked to the available role at West Coast. However, at this stage they still have duties to fulfil at their current clubs as they are still in the finals race.
Meanwhile assistants Andrew McQualter (Melbourne), Brendon Lade (Western Bulldogs) and Eagles’ caretaker Jarrad Schofield have all wrapped up their seasons for the year.
Numerous other assistants coaches have been approached for the role, including Sydney’s Dean Cox but they have all turned down the club’s advances, opting not to pursue the role.
The lack of ‘high profile’ or ‘leading’ candidates is no concern for Malaxos, with him confident in the abilities and selection of a coach that flies under the radar.
“I see it with the view there’s a lot of good coaches out there, I reckon there’s probably even good coaches out there that names haven’t even been mentioned,” he said.
“Often when I speak about it, I say well, who was Adam Kingsley four or five years ago? His name would never have been mentioned, and McRae and now these guys are leading coaches.
“I’m strongly in the view that there’s a lot of good coaches out there and even more than haven’t been mentioned.
“I was never involved at all anyhow but I was never too worried about coaches saying they’re not interest that wouldn’t have deterred me at all if I was involved in picking the coach.”
With Port Adelaide’s finals campaign getting off to an unideal start – losing by 84-points at home to Geelong, there’s growing talks about Ken Hinkley’s future at Alberton.
Hinkley has been loosely linked to the West Coast job, however he insists he will be the one to lead Port next season and see out his contract.
While Malaxos believes he could be a good appointment for West Coast, he would prefer for the club to go for a current assistant coach.
“He’s a pretty good coach. I think the finals efforts have been pretty bad over the last few years, and that’s taken a little bit of a shine off his coaching performance,” he said.
“I think he’d be a good appointment, but I have been in the camp of an assistant who’s had a wide range of experiences would be the way to go.
“But I think Hinkley would be a good choice as well. So I think contrary to a lot of belief, I think there’s a lot of good candidates out there for the Eagles.”
IMAGE: Fox Sports