CARLTON’S board will decide on Monday night who will coach the club next season, with Brendon Bolton reportedly recommended for the job by the Blues' coaching sub-committee.
Hawthorn assistant Bolton is the favourite, but interim coach John Barker has also impressed since taking over after Mick Malthouse's sacking.
It has been reported that Bolton has won a close vote over Barker to be endorsed by the sub-committee, which has been charged with assessing the candidates and making a recommendation to the board.
They were two of the three remaining candidates alongside Collingwood assistant coach Scott Burns.
The Blues' sub-committee will now report to the board and the Blues will confirm the successful candidate as early as Tuesday.
The five-man sub-committee, which was appointed in June, is made up of retired champion Chris Judd, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, Blues CEO Steven Trigg, Carlton premiership player Ken Sheldon and professional recruiter David Campbell.
AFL.com.au has contacted Carlton for comment.
Bolton would be the fifth assistant coach to leave under Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson to take up a senior position, and the fourth premiership assistant.
Damien Hardwick first left in 2009 to coach Richmond and has been followed by Leon Cameron (GWS), Adam Simpson (West Coast) and Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs).
The Hawks face Carlton in round 23, and it is not clear if Bolton would stay on with the Hawks for the rest of the season if he was appointed.
Hawks assistant Bolton to coach Blues?
Carlton reportedly set to announce Hawks assistant as its new coach
