CARETAKER Garry Hocking is reluctant to declare himself a starter in the Port Adelaide coaching race, saying he is yet to make up his mind.

Hocking took over as Power coach when Matthew Primus stepped down after Port's shock loss to Greater Western Sydney in round 19.

Before Sunday's fighting draw against Richmond at the MCG, Hocking had led the Power to losses against Hawthorn by 72 points, West Coast by 48 points and the Brisbane Lions by 11 points.

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After Sunday's game, Hocking said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as caretaker, but was reluctant to say much about his future plans.

"I just said to the players after the game I was proud to coach this group, the opportunity given to me by [Port CEO] Keith Thomas and [president] Brett Duncanson and [football manager] Peter Rohde was terrific," Hocking said.

"Being able to coach the group over the last four weeks and see their spirit and character was really pleasing.

"That's all I really want to take out of this experience. It was not to go and throw my hat in the ring. It was just to try and get the group playing a really strong competitive brand of footy, playing together and trying to get a win for them."

Hocking said he still had some people he wanted to talk to before deciding whether to formally apply for Port's coaching position.

He said he was not sure when he would make that decision.

Hocking spoke with obvious enthusiasm about his experience as caretaker, saying how much he had enjoyed working with the wide array of football department staff.

He said he had also learnt a lot about what it took to be a senior coach, from game plans and structures to managing assistant coaches and the vast amount of information given to a coach on game day.

Hocking was also confident he had been a positive influence on Port's players.

"I think our players have got a lot out of it, the last four weeks, too," he said.

Regardless of who takes over as Port coach, Hocking said they would walk into a great club and inherit an exciting playing list.

"We're excited about the new coach coming in. I think he can hit the ground running, with the people that we've got and the playing group," Hocking said.

"There's great opportunities for that person coming in to really take over and get something out of this group.

"There's a lot to like about them."  

And while still unsure about his own senior coaching ambitions, Hocking is sure he wants to remain at Alberton Oval.

In the event he is not senior coach next year, Hocking said he would be happy to step back into an assistant role, perhaps as forward-line coach.

"The club I think is heading in the right direction. It would be fantastic for me to continue to work there," Hocking said.

Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick