Former Dockers assistant Peter Sumich has emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant Fremantle coaching job, according to a report by Fox Sports' Tom Morris.
It is understood that Fremantle insiders believe Sumich is favoured marginally ahead of Collingwood assistant Justin Longmuir to land the role.
Sumich previously worked as an assistant at both West Coast and Fremantle, but departed the latter in 2016 after he and Ross Lyon's relationship fell apart.
A former two-time premiership Eagle, he remains well connected in Perth circles and is believed to be keen to become a senior AFL coach.
Sumich was close to become senior coach twice - he was next in line after James Hird was appointed at Essendon om 2011 and narrowly ousted by Adam Simpson for the Eagles job in 2013.
The 51-year old's biggest obstacle could be overcoming fractured relationships with club board members who sided with Lyon during his messy departure.
The 38-year old Longmuir is seen as a bigger risk due to his age, with close observers believing Sumich would be better prepared to handle Perth's football landscape.
President Dale Alcock, head of footy Peter Bell, board members Peter Mann and Sue Murphy, plus an external person will make the appointment.
David Hale will serve as interim coach for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide.
