RICHMOND caretaker coach Andrew McQualter says the club will leave it up to Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin to decide whether they play on next year.

Riewoldt and Cotchin are nearing the end of their decorated careers and there's a chance both could pull the pin at the end of this season.

Cotchin is 33 years old and has played 304 games, while 34-year-old Riewoldt has notched 343 matches.

Both players have shown signs of slowing down this year with Cotchin averaging 16.7 disposals per game and Riewoldt kicking only 26 goals in 17 matches.

McQualter, who is bidding to become Richmond's coach on a permanent basis, says he will leave the decision in their hands.

"Jack's earned the right to make whatever decision he feels right," McQualter told reporters on Thursday.

"He and Trent are in the same boat. They've been absolute warriors for this football club.

"So whatever they decide to do, they'll have my full support and the club's full support."

Riewoldt said earlier this week he's still undecided about whether to play on next year.

The three-time premiership forward said the injury-enforced absence of fellow spearhead Tom Lynch had placed an extra challenge on him this season.

"I think Jack would be the first to say he'd love 'Lynchy' out there, it might make life a bit easier for him," McQualter said.

"But you know what, it just shows you how much of a competitor Jack is.

"Physically he's obviously not quite at the same level he was six or seven years ago, or five years ago.

"But he's just such a competitor and finds a way every week, and has a real will to win."

McQualter has led Richmond to six wins from eight matches since taking over from Damien Hardwick, who quit following the round 10 loss to Essendon.

The golden run under McQualter has lifted the Tigers into 10th spot, just percentage adrift of the top eight.

Applications for Richmond's senior coaching position are set to close this week with interviews to follow.

Ken Hinkley, Adem Yze, Troy Chaplin, Don Pyke, Dean Cox, Ash Hansen, Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Carr, Corey Enright and Justin Leppitsch are among the names that have been thrown up.

The Tigers confirmed the panel to lead the interviews for their next coach will be led by CEO Brendon Gale and the club's general manager of football performance Tim Livingstone and general manager of football talent Blair Hartley.

Richmond vice-president Henriette Rothschild will also sit on the panel along with Paddy Steinfort and Frank Ponissi, who have been engaged externally.  

McQualter is loving his time in the hot seat and hopes to retain the post.

But the 37-year-old is supportive of the process Richmond is conducting.

"This club has been a really strong club for a reason," McQualter said.

"They're going to run a thorough process, which I fully support and encourage. Whatever happens will happen."

Richmond's finals credentials will receive a stern test on Sunday when it takes on top-four fancy Melbourne at the MCG.