Port Adelaide's caretaker coach Matthew Primus believes his campaign for the AFL club's top job has been aided by his seven-week audition.

Primus continues his bid to become Port's coach for next season and beyond against Melbourne at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

While both clubs are out of the finals race, Primus has plenty at stake.

The ex-Power captain has coached Port for five games since Mark Williams' departure, posting three wins and two losses.

Candidates for the position are believed to have narrowed to three - Primus, Essendon assistant coach Alan Richardson and West Coast assistant Chris Scott.

"Every one (of them) have got some terrific attributes and they all want to be senior coaches," Primus said.

"They've done their apprenticeships and spent some time in footy."

Primus said taking charge of Port had boosted his chances of landing the job.

"I'm certainly glad I've done it," Primus said.

"I think personally it helps.

"(It has helped) in managing things, you have obviously got a bit more to manage than when you're an assistant coach, you have got to prepare the team each week rather than just doing stuff as a line coach."

Melbourne skipper James McDonald, who will retire at season's end, will play his 250th match against the Power.

Primus' chances of notching another win against the Demons have risen with the visitors losing creator Aaron Davey to a broken leg.

Ruckman Paul Johnson and Rohan Bail have been omitted while Joel McDonald was unavailable due to an ankle injury.

The Demons have summoned Cale Morton, Brent Moloney and Jordie McKenzie as replacements.

Port were unable to consider Tom Logan (concussion) with forward Daniel Stewart coming into their side.

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