GWS interim coach Mark McVeigh is well aware of the hill ahead of him to claim the club's senior coaching vacancy, as the Giants set their sights on coaching great Alastair Clarkson.
Reports have emerged in recent days stating that GWS football boss Jason McCartney and Clarkson have held discussions, with the former Hawks coach likely to be the New South Wales side's top target to replace Leon Cameron.
McVeigh, currently holding down interim duties in Sydney's west, is also among the candidates that will be given an opportunity to present to the club's top brass as part of their recruiting process.
The former Bomber will have the remainder of the 2022 season to best display his skills in the Giants' hot seat, having already notched up an even three wins and three draws following the club's 2-7 start under Cameron.
But while the potential to impress the likes of McCartney and board member Jimmy Bartel with on-field improvements will bolster McVeigh's case, the Giants' caretaker coach is understanding of the tough task in coming up against this century's most successful coach in Clarkson.
"Ultimately, it will come down to what he would like to do and where he'd like to go. And he's earned that right," McVeigh told media on Thursday.
"The communication has been upfront with me. I knew this was happening and so they should. Why wouldn't you talk to Alastair Clarkson about coaching your football club?
"I'll present to the footy club, whether that's good enough we'll wait and see.
"I'll try and win the games we need to win between now and the end of the year but ultimately, I know if Alastair Clarkson says he wants to come to the Giants, I know I'm up against it and that's the way it should be.
"He's been an incredible coach for a long period of time."
Also understood to be in the race to become the third senior coach in the Giants' history are Melbourne assistant Adem Yze and former Adelaide coach Don Pyke, who has flourished in his duties with the Sydney Swans across the past two years.
While more names continue to emerge in the running, one man that won't be pushing for the job is part-time Giants assistant and Essendon great James Hird.
Hird recently ruled himself out of the race, backing in his former teammate and current colleague McVeigh for the position.
The Giants will be looking to notch up a winning record under their interim coach, with a matchup against Port Adelaide in South Australia on Saturday night their next chance to do so.
McVeigh is set to welcome the return of defender-turned-forward James Peatling from a hamstring injury, while gun midfielder Jacob Hopper will be in the mix to face the Power after being sidelined since the club's season opener with a knee injury.
Ruckman Braydon Preuss will also be considered for selection, however, McVeigh was, once again, full of praise for Matt Flynn's current run of form.
Port Adelaide will host the Giants at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, with the match to commence at 7:30pm (AEST).
