Port Adelaide could finalise their new AFL coach as soon as this weekend.

Ex-Port captain Matthew Primus and Fremantle assistant Chris Scott are in the running to coach the Power next season and beyond.

Essendon assistant Alan Richardson was a third candidate but has withdrawn his bid to become Port's third coach since entering the AFL in 1997.

Scott's commitment to Fremantle may end after Friday night's semi-final against Geelong, paving the way for an increase in his discussions with Port.

Port officials declined to be drawn on the coaching position on Wednesday, with the club previously saying an appointment would be made before the grand final.

The prospect of Scott joining his twin brother Brad as an AFL coach has heightened in the past week, despite Primus' solid audition for the top job.

Scott has overseen Fremantle's defensive unit this year since joining the club in 2007.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey said the fact Scott was within reach of Port's coaching position was a credit to his club.

"I think it has been a compliment to what we're doing that Chris has landed himself in a situation where he's going for the job," Harvey said on Wednesday.

"He's got a good temperament about what he does."

Primus was Port's caretaker coach for the final seven games of the season, lodging an impressive five wins and two losses after replacing Mark Williams, who quit in July and is now a chance to coach Essendon next season.

The former All Australian ruckman played 137 games across nine seasons with the Power, before cruel hamstring and knee injuries hampered the back half of his career.

Port has established a six-member sub-committee to make a recommendation to the club's board, which could come as early as the weekend after final meetings with Scott.

A final decision by the board could then be made early next week.

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