PORT Adelaide overlooked Chris Scott and Brendan McCartney, among others, to appoint another insider Matthew Primus to the coaching job in 2010.

Primus followed other club legends John Cahill and Mark Williams as the Alberton succession plan rolled on. But this time the Power will surely open itself up to an outsider.

That means if Port assistant Shaun Rehn is promoted for the final month, he will be a genuine caretaker only.

Perception is king and the Power just has to be seen thinking outside the square.

Former Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett, highly rated for his work at Norwood in the SANFL, might be an outside chance - but other contenders will come from interstate.

And it is also highly likely the Power will go down the untried track again.

An experienced head may be seen as invaluable to sort out the rabble, but who is out there?

An experienced head may be seen as invaluable to sort out the rabble, but who is out there?

Rodney Eade is the standout after one year out of senior coaching.

He is still at the pointy end with Collingwood, but would he commit to such a heavy rebuild at a club with a damaged brand and limited resources?

Mick Malthouse would not be interested. Count out Paul Roos. It is fanciful to think Mark Williams would come back home.

Outside Bassett, who may be a sneaky chance, there is the next generation.

Leon Cameron narrowly missed the Bulldogs job. If he takes part in a flag as an assistant at Hawthorn this year, his stocks will rise.

Adam Simpson is another highly rated Hawk.

Scott Burns was considered hot favourite to get the Adelaide gig won by Sanderson, but said he wasn't ready. A year on, will he be in the mix?

Whoever gets the job needs time - a minimum of three years - and more support.