One of the top contenders for the Melbourne coaching job has withdrawn from the race, while Nathan Buckley “prepares a team” for his potential hiring.

Hayden Skipworth, Craig McRae’s senior assistant at Collingwood, chose not to continue with the process before interviews were conducted early this week.

It leaves five candidates for the job - ex-Magpies coach Buckley plus assistants Brendon Lade, James Kelly, Daniel Giansiracusa and Steven King.

Semi Final

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