Jarrad Schofield says his stint in West Coast's hot seat is reigniting his passion for coaching, and he's determined to remain his authentic self.
Schofield was installed as interim coach when Adam Simpson stepped down last month, and his odds of landing the full-time role seemed slim at first.
But with Dean Cox, Josh Carr, Nathan Buckley and Jaymie Graham all ruling themselves out of the role, Schofield's stocks are rising by the day.
West Coast have become one of the league's best pressure sides under Schofield, highlighted by their fighting win over Gold Coast on Friday and a brave western derby showing a week earlier.
Schofield coached WAFL side Subiaco to three flags across five grand finals before spending stints as an AFL assistant at Port Adelaide and West Coast.
The 49-year-old is yet to officially declare he's interested in the full-time West Coast coaching role, but he's already had "casual" chats with chief executive Don Pyke and general manager Gavin Bell.
"I'm enjoying what I'm doing, it's reignited why I coach," Schofield told reporters on Thursday.
"I just love the game and I'm enjoying the way the boys are going about it.
"It's all happened really quickly. I'm in this seat. I'm just being myself.
"I'm not doing anything different. I'm not trying to be someone that I'm not.
"I do lean on my past experiences, past coaches, but also understanding where we are as a footy club.
"Just because we're in a club that's got 100,000 members and a lot more money than Subiaco doesn't mean you coach differently.
"You have to be your authentic self."
Schofield confirmed star defender Tom Barrass (concussion/hamstring) will miss a second straight game, ruling him out of Saturday's clash with North Melbourne in Hobart.
Barrass is contracted until the end of 2027, but his future is a hot talking point after he met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last week.
The Western Bulldogs are also reportedly keen on Barrass.
Schofield has no issues about Barrass meeting with a rival coach.
"I saw the report - it was the first I heard of it," Schofield said.
"I think it's the industry.
"Many years ago (Chris) Scott and an army went over and talked to (Travis) Boak.
"Player managers are talking to players, coaches. It's that time of the season."
Retiring Eagles veteran Andrew Gaff will return against the Kangaroos as part of his two-game farewell.
Schofield said it was important to honour a "legacy player" like Gaff.
"We just want Gaffy to go out there and enjoy the moment," Schofield said.
"He'll retire as our highest possession-gatherer - averaging like 25 possessions a game. You don't trip over that stuff.
"I think someone said to me he's on 99 games for 30 possessions (or) plus.
"He's got one more game to reach the ton, so who knows, we might encourage him to take a few kick-ins."
