Hayden Skipworth emerges as leading candidate to be West Coast's ...

West Coast are closing in on their new coach, with Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth emerging as the leading candidate.

7NEWS understands Skipworth has become a focus of the Eagles coaching selection panel, impressing with his focus on development, modern game plan principles and player connection.

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The 41-year-old has been part of the Collingwood coaching panel since 2020, playing a key role in the Pies’ 2023 premiership success under Craig McRae.

Before that, he ran Collingwood’s talent academy.

He also spent time on the Essendon coaching staff under John Worsfold, and previously led the Bombers VFL team.

As a player, he represented the Crows and Bombers in 55 games.

Andrew McQualter and Stephen King are the other two candidates in the race, but Skipworth has emerged as the leading contender.

It’s been 70 days since the Eagles and Adam Simpson parted ways, but they may finally be closing in on locking down their new man.