Fremantle have suffered a major setback in their search for a new senior coach with frontrunner Justin Longmuir reportedly ruled out of the race for the top job.

Multiple reports have emerged this morning suggesting the current Collingwood assistant will instead take an assistant role with Carlton to partner newly appointed David Teague in 2020.

“If he (Longmuir) misses out on Freo, Carlton are very, very keen on Justin Longmuir,” Mike Sheahan told SEN Breakfast.

“Carlton refuse to finalise their coaching support panel until they know what’s happening at Freo.

“Right now, if I was punting, I’d say he’s going to end up at Carlton.”

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Camera Icon Magpies assistant coach Justin Longmuir (R) speaks with Darcy Moore of the Magpies. Credit: Getty Images

6PR’s Kim Hagdorn said the Dockers’ pool of candidates has decreased from five to four overnight.

“Justin Longmuir has been seen as the frontrunner for a long time, even before Ross Lyon was sacked I kept hearing Justin Longmuir was being set to coach Fremantle,” Hagdorn said on 6PR Breakfast.

“There are strong suggestions this morning that Carlton could be set to appoint Justin Longmuir in a senior assistant coaching position / Director of Coaching at Carlton.

“Adelaide also want to talk to Justin Longmuir urgently because of this spreading news in the football circles, that Longmuir could be lost to Fremantle because he has other options, particularly this appointment at Carlton.

“This will grow today.”

Camera Icon Justin Longmuir the assistant coach of the Magpies looks on during the round 21 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies. Credit: Getty Images

The West Australian last week indicated the importance of Fremantle moving swiftly to avoid Adelaide swooping on their man.

The Dockers’ senior coach search will continue across the weekend with Hagdorn speculating a decision could come as early as next week.