Port Adelaide are disappointed to miss out on Leon Cameron but insist their search for a new AFL senior coach has not become farcical.
While Gold Coast assistant Ken Hinkley is now the hot favourite to take the job, it has almost become a process of elimination.
First experienced senior coaches Rodney Eade and Brett Ratten ruled themselves out, then Cameron decided to accept a four-year offer from Greater Western Sydney.
Cameron will work under current Giants coach Kevin Sheedy next season before taking over the senior role.
Once Cameron flew to Sydney on Wednesday, the Power also renewed contact with Eade’s management.
But the former Sydney and Western Bulldogs coach will stay at Collingwood as their coaching director.
Hinkley flew to Adelaide on Thursday for an interview with Port Adelaide.
The Power finished 14th this season and have ongoing financial problems.
Also on Thursday, they decided not to challenge Richmond’s free agency bid for defender Troy Chaplin.
That came a day after the Power decided against matching Fremantle’s offer for utility and fellow restricted free agent Danyle Pearce.
Power chief executive Keith Thomas has posted a message on the club website, saying they were “within a few days” of announcing their new senior coach.
He said they were about a week to 10 days behind schedule but that was unavoidable.
“Far from being farcical, our process has been very diligent,” Thomas said.
“In the overall scheme of things its a bit frustrating, but not a big issue.
“Leon Cameron’s decision was a disappointment I must say – he was really impressive … he certainly would have been a strong contender.
“The list (of candidates) is strong and has actually strengthened as the process has unfolded.”
But former Port board member and ex-player Darryl Wakelin told SEN that the drawn-out process had been “less than perfect”.
Meanwhile, Adelaide forward Jared Petrenko will undergo a right shoulder reconstruction after hurting the joint late in the semi-final win over Fremantle.
Petrenko will have the operation on Friday and need a five-month rehabilitation period.
Also, All-Australian Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin has earned a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Dockers at least until the end of 2014.
