Andrew McQualter emerges as contender to become West Coast’s next senior coach

After just missing out on succeeding Damien Hardwick at Richmond, Andrew McQualter is back in the mix for a senior coaching role.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 4: Andrew McQualter, Interim Senior Coach of the Tigers addresses his players during the 2023 AFL Round 21 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on August 4, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Andrew McQualter has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant West Coast coaching position.

The former St Kilda player served as an assistant coach Damien Hardwick at Richmond before assuming the role of caretaker senior coach following Hardwick’s mid-season departure last year, finishing his 13-game tenure with a 7-6 record.

It comes as highly-rated Essendon assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa on Thursday ruled himself out of partaking in the selection process due to family reasons.

Overlooked for the Tigers’ job that was ultimately won by Adem Yze, McQualter joined Melbourne last October and remains contracted as an assistant coach to Simon Goodwin.

It is understood that McQualter has been contacted in relation to the Eagles job hunt.

Andrew McQualter had a successful stint as Richmond’s interim coach. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Carlton assistant Ashley Hansen on Wednesday ruled himself out of the race, set on continuing to develop his coaching at the Blues.

Other leading candidates including Dean Cox, Jaymie Graham and Josh Carr have also ruled themselves out of contention, while former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is also not considering the position after a conversation with Eagles chief executive Don Pyke.

Giants assistant Brett Montgomery and Bulldogs assistant coach Brendon Lade are also names that have been floated in recent weeks.