The race to become the next AFL boss remains wide open, as final interviews are held over the coming days and the choice between an internal or an external candidate dictates the timing of CEO Gillon McLachlan’s departure, AFL chairman Richard Goyder says.

Richmond Football Club CEO Brendon Gale – considered the external front-runner to replace Mr McLachlan – is preparing to face the Carlton Blues in Thursday night’s traditional opening clash in front of around 90,000 fans at the MCG.