PORT Adelaide expects North Melbourne's coaching search to extend to a couple of Ken Hinkley's assistants, but doesn't have a problem with Michael Voss and Nathan Bassett being pursued by the Roos mid-season.
The Roos recently parted ways with Brad Scott and, while Rhyce Shaw has taken the reins in the interim, they will eventually make a permanent appointment.
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There are two standouts at the Power. Michael Voss was in charge at Brisbane in 2009-13 and recently told AFL.com.au's In the Game podcast that he wanted another chance to show his wares.
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Bassett has been in the AFL coaching ranks since 2014, joining Port a couple of years later, and led Norwood to successive SANFL flags in 2012-13.
Port chief executive Keith Thomas wasn't concerned about North coming after either assistant during the Power's 2019 campaign.
"We think there quite possibly will be interest in a couple of our coaches, in particular. We don't think that will detract from what they're doing with us – in fact, we're certain that it won't," Thomas told reporters in China.
"In some ways, we would encourage it. We know they won't lose focus on us. It's a process that is inevitable.
"If that opportunity presents itself for one of our assistant coaches, we've always said that we would support that at the right time and I'm sure that will occur."
Asked specifically about Voss and Bassett, Thomas acknowledged they were the duo he was referring to.
We understand, and there will always be speculation around coaches, but I find it a little unedifying when it involves our coach, and a coach who's been having a really good year - St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis
"Nathan is an interesting coach. He has great credentials, he's been in the AFL system a long time, and we rate him really highly," Thomas said.
"I don't know what their intentions are or what their plans are, but if I was looking at Port Adelaide, those two stand out to me as coaches in the making, but it's not for me."
Meanwhile, St Kilda boss Matt Finnis has heard the speculation that his coach Alan Richardson could be pushed out for Scott, but Finnis finds that distasteful.
Matt Finnis speaking in China. Picture: AFL Photos
Richardson is contracted for this year, with a trigger clause to see him continue for 2020, and Finnis is backing his man.
"We couldn't be more pleased with our coaching program, which is led by Alan," Finnis said.
"With the challenges we've had with our personnel and our availability, to be 5-5 this time of year, I think a lot of Saints fans would have taken that if you offered it to them before round one.
"We understand, and there will always be speculation around coaches, but I find it a little unedifying when it involves our coach, and a coach who's been having a really good year."
One of those players missing has been four-time best and fairest Jack Steven, who is out indefinitely with a mental health issue, but Finnis predicted the onballer could be back at Moorabbin soon enough.
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"Jack's communication with the club this week was really positive. I think we'll see him back around the club in coming weeks and at the end of the day, we're still focusing on his health first and foremost, and football will become a secondary factor," Finnis said.
It's the first time the Saints will play in China, 'hosting' Port at Shanghai's Jiangwan Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
