PORT Adelaide has started the hunt for its next senior coach, and expects to have the process finalised before this year’s grand final.

A team of six will oversee the first stages of the process.

The group will be chaired by Power CEO Mark Haysman, and will also include football manager Peter Rhode, two-time Adelaide Crows premiership player David Pittman and 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player and current board member Darryl Wakelin.

The club will combine headhunting with applicants who apply. The club says that while it has a notional timeframe of a decision by this season, it is prepared to go longer if the process requires.

“We approach the selection process with an open mind but with the single-minded goal of finding the best possible coach for the next era of the Port Adelaide Football Club,” Haysman told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“That person will have an extraordinary opportunity to take and shape what we believe is an exciting list of talented young players.

“The selection panel we have established provides a range of football expertise as well as business experience, and the process will be demanding and thorough. Candidates will go through a series of assessment exercises and interview processes as that process unfolds.

“We expect the process will be completed by Grand Final week, giving the new coach the opportunity to be involved in the draft camp and trade week, although we are prepared to be flexible as required to secure the best possible coach.

“Importantly, we will not be providing a running commentary on the detail of various stages, or on the identity or merits of any candidates.”