PORT Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas has vowed to get a “great candidate” for the club’s senior coaching role, despite one of the final candidates withdrawing from the race.

Hawthorn assistant Leon Cameron has informed Port Adelaide that he no longer wishes to be considered for the position. Media reports have suggested Cameron has committed to a role at another club.

“I got a call this afternoon confirming Leon Cameron is no longer a candidate for our senior coaching role,” Thomas said.

“We got to the point where we’d interviewed him, he was impressive, we knew his price.

“He was, right from the outset, someone we were interested in, but he’s not the only guy. He chose something else, I respect that and we move on.

“I’m really happy with how we’re progressing with the other candidates.”

Thomas said the Power’s coaching selection process is continuing, despite delays caused by the tragic death of player John McCarthy and a number of candidates’ involvement in the recently completed AFL finals series.

“All I would ask of our members is that they be confident that absolute due diligence is being done here and we will get a great candidate.”

Thomas said he always felt the start of Trade Period on Monday 8 October was the key time he wanted a coach appointed, but he stressed senior club staff had been carefully managing all off-season matters.