The Bendigo Football League club's president, Paul Leahy, yesterday confirmed that Field was among "a number" of candidates vying for the position.

"He has been interviewed, yes," Mr Leahy said.

"He's just one of the people we've approached.

"Whether or not he has been put on the short list, I couldn't tell you."

The star midfielder and skipper declined to comment.

Field was crowned the 2004 Liston Trophy medallist as the best and fairest player in the Victorian Football League.

He was recruited to the Roosters in 1997 from the North Ballarat Rebels.

North Ballarat chief executive officer Mark Patterson made a plea yesterday for Field to stay at Austar Arena.

He said Field remained a required player.

"We've spoken to him about his football and we've made it clear that we still want him," Mr Patterson said.

"We will be doing everything we can to ensure that he stays with us."

Mr Leahy said the junior club would not rush the decision-making process to appoint a coach.

He would not reveal the other contenders for the job.

"The guys on the working party are taking the process very meticulously," he said.

The junior club has been on a recruitment drive since it defected to Bendigo in August.

Mr Leahy said several players had signalled they could sign up to play next year.

"There has been interest from some guys as far back as two years ago when we said we would get the club up and going.

"There has always been players that have said they would come back and play for us," he said.

Field remains one of the favourites to win North Ballarat's Allen L Stott Memorial Medal at the club's best and fairest count tonight.

Team-mates Justin McConnell and Mark Porter could also challenge for the top award.

The event begins at 6pm at the University of Ballarat's Dining Room.

The Rebels' best and fairest will also be announced.

Captain Billy Driscoll and Steve Clifton could top the count having polled the most votes for the Rebels in the TAC Cup Under-18 best and fairest - the Morrish Medal.