North Melbourne’s coaching search has been narrowed down to a maximum of five candidates.

Plus John Longmire has spoken on the task ahead at Essendon under Mark McVeigh. More in AFL Daily.

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NORTH COACHING SEARCH DOWN TO FIVE

North Melbourne’s coaching search is reportedly down to no more than five candidates.

SEN reports Jaymie Graham, Nathan Buckley, David Hale and Daniel Giansiracusa will present to the Kangaroos for their senior vacancy.

The report notes it’s unclear whether North assistant Xavier Clarke is the fifth candidate in the process.

Brendon Lade, Daniel Pratt, Troy Chaplin and Corey Enright were also contacted by the Kangaroos but no longer in the running.

It’s believed North’s initial plan was to narrow its search to a maximum of five contenders as it sets out to find Alastair Clarkson’s successor.

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Fremantle assistant Graham has been seen as a strong contender after a successful season for the grand finalists and having gone deep in several coaching races.

Meanwhile, Buckley believes he has “fair bit to offer” after he returned to the coaching caper as an assistant at Geelong this year.

“Well, I think nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Buckley said on Kayo Sports’ On the Couch.

“I mean, I’ve determined 12 months ago that I’d love to senior coach again, and I love the role at Geelong.

“I really respect the way North have handled this and they’ve kept things really tight.”

LONGMIRE ON MERRETT, VINEY AS DONS EYE MORE COACHES

New Essendon General Manager of AFL performance John Longmire says he won’t play a role in trying to convince Zach Merrett to stay at the club as it looks to beef up its coaching team around Mark McVeigh.

Longmire has already began the newly-created role at the Bombers that will see him support McVeigh in the same way Don Pyke helped him at Sydney.

But Longmire says he won’t try and talk Merrett around his looming trade move to Hawthorn.

“Nah, that’s not my brief. I’m sure if I was asked from ‘Spike’ (McVeigh), I’d have a chat about it. But no, that’s not my role,” Longmire said on SEN radio.

“The guys in the recruiting department have already got their teeth into that and they’ll be right into it. That’s not part of my role.”

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Meanwhile, Longmire suggested Melbourne trade target Jack Viney was a player that could offer plenty for the Bombers.

“I know that’s something ‘Spike’ has had thoughts about, he’s been active in that space. Players that can help the club now but also help and drive standards,” Longmire said.

“From what we’ve both seen over the years, the most successful teams are able to have players really drive those standards.

“He’s one of those players, I’m sure that’s a consideration for ‘Spike’ going forward.”

Essendon is still looking to build out its coaching team around McVeigh after adding ex-Swan Shane Mumford, with Longmire set to hold talks with some prospective options.

“I’m there to support ‘Spike’ and try and mould a new coaching group and get that coaching group together and hopefully be able to support the players as best we can,” he added.

“We need a few (more coaches). That’s what we’re working through at the moment, the roles and specifics of it, we’re working through as well.

“We’re speaking to a couple of coaches. ‘Spike’ has some great contacts in the industry as well, we’ll be talking to a few as the days go by.”