Blues in the mix for Ratten

ST KILDA caretaker coach Brett Ratten says he will be auditioning for the Saints’ top job in the next six weeks, but will also consider presenting for the vacant role at old club Carlton if approached.

Describing himself as less “emotional” and more relaxed as a coach than his last time in charge, Ratten declared his interest in again becoming an AFL senior coach seven years after his Blues’ tenure ended.

Ratten will coach the Saints for the rest of the season after the club parted ways with Alan Richardson earlier this week.

Ratten admitted it was not the way he had wanted to put his name forward for a senior coaching role, but stressed he would make the most of the opportunity he had been given to push his case.

“It probably is [an audition], yeah,” Ratten said yesterday.

“I have been out of the game in the senior coaching ranks for now seven years.

“I didn’t want to get back in it this way, but the club came to me and I spoke to Richo about it and he was pleased for me so I thought I would take it on.

“I get six weeks to get back in the saddle and see what happens. But it’s one thing that I have done for a long time and I enjoy coaching and this playing group I have really enjoyed being around whether I am the senior coach or an assistant coach they are a good bunch of kids and men and they are easy to coach.”

But the Saints’ job is not the only position up for grabs, with the Blues and North Melbourne also on the hunt for a new senior coach after the departures of Brendon Bolton and Brad Scott.

Asked if he would consider going through the process for the senior coaching role at Carlton — where he previously coached from 2007 to 2012 — if he was approached, Ratten said he would think about it, but stressed his focus was on the Saints.

“I would consider it [the Carlton job], but that hasn't happened and I am just worrying about what I can do at St Kilda footy club,” Ratten said. “If those opportunities came to me, I’d have a look at them.”