Caretaker North Melbourne coach Leigh Adams hopes Alastair Clarkson's connection as a former Kangaroos player sways him to choose the club over rivals Essendon.
The four-time AFL premiership coach looked certain to be heading to Arden St next year but is weighing up late interest from the Bombers.
Ben Rutten's future as Essendon coach remains uncertain after board turmoil at Tullamarine resulted in David Barham replacing Paul Brasher as president.
North want a soft indication from Clarkson about his plans by the close of business on Wednesday, but it is not an ultimatum.
If Clarkson and his management say North remain a chance to land his services then the Kangaroos will continue discussions.
The Kangaroos have been exclusively dealing with Clarkson to be their replacement for David Noble, who was sacked in July.
Adams, who will lead the Kangaroos for the sixth and likely final time this Saturday, would love to see Clarkson return to the club where the 54-year-old began his football career back in 1987.
"I think it would be fantastic if he was to come to our footy club, but if he doesn't then we'll get the next best person in," Adams said on Wednesday.
"Whoever does end up getting the coaching job is going to get a pretty unique group that we feel has got some real talent and can get up the ladder.
"I'm not 100 per cent sure what (Clarkson's) weighing up but I know he's got some great people inside this footy club, not just players but our staff in here are fantastic.
"Hopefully it pulls on the heart strings a little bit that he was a former player here and he understands the culture and people within this place."
Hawthorn great Luke Hodge, who captained the Hawks to three of Clarkson's four premierships, believes North remain firmly in contention despite fears Essendon could have ruined their plans.
"I'm sitting here saying North Melbourne supporters don't be stressed, just because he's saying he'd like an interview, this is 'Clarko' doing his due diligence and making sure every stone has been turned," Hodge told SEN.
"Just because he's agreed to meet with Essendon and have a chat doesn't necessarily mean he's more in favour to go there than North Melbourne."
