Essendon and Carlton caretakers Josh Fraser and Dean Solomon have given a more definitive answer on their futures as the clubs search for a new senior coach.
The Blues confirmed they have asked Fraser to be included in the coaching process, pitting him against the likes of Corey Enright, Jaymie Graham and James Kelly.
Carlton football boss Chris Davies is expecting the former Pie and Sun to answer in the next week.
“There's been a conversation and an opportunity to go through the (coaching) process," Fraser said on Thursday at his weekly press conference.
"I'm grateful. I'll take some time to consider whether I'm part of that or not.
“It's considering everything that comes with being a senior coach. I want to make sure that, if I was to be successful, that I'm ready to hit the ground running.
"That's the way I approach things in life. Really considered."
Fraser took over from Michael Voss earlier this year and has been a revelation for Carlton, winning eight out of 10 games, including an impressive seven-match win streak.
I think sitting in the chair is sitting in the chair. You're exposed to a large number of things," Fraser said regarding the interim role.
"But the reality is you're not exposed to everything, and I'm aware of that. But I also know, over the course of my coaching journey, I've had great opportunities and experiences that are unique.
"They're the things I'm considering now. How well those things place me to have confidence to go through a process. I'm also aware you can go through a process and be unsuccessful and come out the other side better for it as well.
"I'm having some conversations with mentors and people I respect for advice. This isn't trying to cram everything into a week. I've been planning and quite deliberate in how I've gone about my coaching journey to this point.
"If I'm in, I'm in. If not, there's a reason for it."
The Blues are looking to make a coaching call by the end of the home and away season.
Solomon, who held his weekly media chat at the same time as Fraser, revealed he and Essendon will discuss his future next week.
The Bombers have a range of candidates vying for the position, including James Hird, Mark McVeigh, Murray Davis and Graham, who is the only name in both coaching camps.
"It's a discussion I'm going to have with the club next week. We have had that contact now, and we will sit down and have that discussion next week," Solomon said.
"It'll be the first time we have a formal chat.
"There's multiple layers (to consider) about where I'm currently at, the position I'm in, my family, where they're based. That's why it's been a good thing to have time to think, and also respecting the current position I'm in.
"There's been a handful (of players) who have asked. That's between myself and the players. They want to know what the future looks like."
Solomon replaced Brad Scott in May, and secured his first win as an AFL coach against GWS a fortnight ago, lifting Essendon off the bottom of the ladder.
