Mark McVeigh will wrap up his audition as GWS coach this weekend when they host Fremantle in Canberra, but whether or not he lands the full-time job his desire to head an AFL side will continue.
The interim coach appears unlikely to get the permanent role with Melbourne assistant Adem Yze the reported front runner, although McVeigh's hopes were somewhat boosted this week with legendary coach Alistair Clarkson ruling out heading to the Giants.
It leaves McVeigh with one final chance to prove his worth, having posted a 4-8 record since former boss Leon Cameron stepped down in May.
But the 41-year-old said recent form, including a strong win against Essendon and pushing the Western Bulldogs within five points, wouldn't mean more than his presentation as part of the coaching search process.
"I don't think it will swing it either way," he told reporters.
"We've been able to implement some things it's taken us six-to-eight weeks to get right.
"When your character gets questioned, and as a coach, you want to respond and we've been able to do that.
"(Clarkson's withdrawal) doesn't really change too much ... the other candidates are outstanding, they've been through the process like I have, they've been in the system a long time and worked under good coaches."
Asked to reflect on his 12 games in charge, McVeigh admitted he only felt more passionate about securing a senior coaching role in the future despite his tough initiation.
His brutal honesty at times drew mixed reactions, particularly when he listed just eight individual players he believed hadn't "checked out" on the side during a monster loss.
"I've tried to not be something that I'm not, whether it's in the media or not, it's what (the players) are getting behind the scenes.
"I've tried to be as authentic as I can be, and not everyone appreciates that ... that's just who I am.
"I'm really humbled by it and I can't thank the players and staff enough.
"I'll take great memories from it ... it really adds fuel to the fire to be a senior coach."
McVeigh confirmed gun midfielder Tim Taranto (concussion) would play against the Dockers while ruckman Brayden Preuss (shoulder) was touch-and-go.
He added small forward Bobby Hill was available for selection for the club's VFL side, although he said staff would talk with the 22-year-old to ensure he felt comfortable playing on his return from a battle with testicular cancer.
