Western Bulldogs assistants Brendon Lade and Daniel Pratt are more than "capable" to take on the senior coaching gig at Carlton, according to Luke Beveridge.
The Blues are on the search for another top dog after Michael Voss handed in his resignation earlier this week, and pundits scramble for the best live option.
Lade and Pratt are well-credentialed in the AFL landscape, and are among the names deemed candidates for the vacant role.
"Over the journey we've had assistants come and go," Beveridge said.
"When you consider Brendon Lade is right up there with doing all the yards. He's a big friendly giant. He's as capable and ready as anyone. Pratty is in the boat as well.
"I'd give them glowing references if I was asked the question. It's a bit like putting your players up for All-Australian selection. You don't want to put the noses out of joint for the Carlton establishment who are going to pick their coach.
"But if they make the call, I'd definitely be in those guys' corner. I think they're ready for an opportunity."
Beveridge was also pressed about the club's Mid-Season Draft plans, especially given the lack of ruck depth.
The durable Tim English has battled injury so far in 2026, and his absence left a gaping hole in the club's performances, which turned an unbeaten start in the opening month to a winless four-week stretch ensuing.
Youngsters Lachlan Smith and Louis Emmett have battled impressively, but Beveridge admitted the latter isn't ready for the rigours of AFL football.
"Yeah maybe," the Bulldogs coach said in targeting a ruckman during the MSD.
"It's definitely on the board, as far as depth in that position. Obviously, Lachie Smith has been playing a bit recently and dipped his toe in the water. And Louis Emmett has played some minutes there as a really young player who is probably not ready for the ruck position. Definitely not ready, to be frank. He's a competitor and he's done his best for us.
"It's something we're thinking about. It's just is there a player available? Our recruiters are working through that."
