Jarrad Schofield says his time in West Coast's hot seat has whetted his appetite for coaching, and he isn't worried an ugly result in Geelong could dent his chances of landing the role fulltime.
Schofield took over as Eagles coach on an interim basis in July when 2018 premiership coach Adam Simpson parted ways with the club.
In his six games in charge so far Schofield has a 2-4 record with 16th-placed West Coast.
Back-to-back wins over Gold Coast and North Melbourne had thrust Schofield into favouritism to win the Eagles' coaching role, but last weekend's 65-point loss to an injury-hit Carlton was a major blow to his chances.
Schofield now faces the daunting prospect of leading West Coast into battle against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium - a venue that has proven to be a graveyard for the Eagles.
Not only have West Coast lost nine consecutive games there, but they will be without key players Tom Barrass (back), Jeremy McGovern (thumb) and Liam Ryan (personal reasons) this Saturday.
"I dare say no one's really given us a shot of pulling off a win," Schofield told reporters on Thursday.
"We probably could have half a side that's never been there, so they won't have any scars.
"It's been well documented that it was 2006 the last time we won there. That's the past, we're in the present.
"I think it's a great opportunity for us to finish off the season strongly, and go down there with some real vibe and some real energy about ourselves."
Schofield will wait until the end of the season before officially declaring whether he wants to apply for the club's senior coaching role.
But given the enjoyment he's gained from his stint in charge, it appears certain Schofield will throw his hat into the ring.
"It definitely has whet my appetite," he said.
"When you're in this seat and you go through the emotions of wins, losses and half games, it exposes you to your own mindset as to is this what you want to do in the future.
"It's all about a journey and an experience for myself, and I'm on that path at the moment."
Schofield isn't worried that the result in Geelong could have a big impact on his chances.
"I'm not caught up in the wins and losses that's going to help my cause," Schofield said.
"I'm focusing purely on the team and the football club and my job at hand.
"I want to make sure the players relax their shoulders and go there with a mindset of not what you've got to lose, but more what you've got to gain as an individual and as a team.
"For us, we've got a lot to gain."
Defender Rhett Bazzo will play his first AFL game of the season as a replacement for McGovern.
