The Melbourne Demons are understood to have met with 15 contenders for their head coaching position in a bid to fill the void left by Simon Goodwin.
The Demons decided to part ways with the 2021 premiership coach as they aspire to enter a new era from next year.
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley poses as the frontrunner for the job, while a host of untried assistants have also been interviewed.
AFL Media's Josh Gabelich revealed that the Demons are looking into Western Bulldogs' assistant Brendon Lade, Hawthorn assistant David Hale and Geelong assistant James Kelly.
"Melbourne is currently finalising its shortlist for its next senior coach this week," Gabelich said on SEN Breakfast.
"They've met with a wide range of coaches over the past fortnight. All informal speed dates, such as coffee catchups.
"I'm told that up to 15 coaches they've met with. So, they have cast the net far and wide.
"Three names I can bring you. Brendon Lade, the midfield coach at the Western Bulldogs, David Hale, the Hawthorn midfield coach, and Geelong assistant James Kelly.
"Now, clearly, Nathan Buckley is the frontrunner, but they are going to run a full process here.
"They expect the shortlist to be six to eight names that will be finalised in the next couple of days, and they'll get going on that because they still aim to have a senior coach in place by grand final week because of how important the trade period is.
"But they are casting the net far and wide."
Daniel Giansiracusa (Essendon) and Ashley Hansen (Carlton) have previously pursued top-coaching roles, including the West Coast position, which was secured by Andrew McQualter.
