Springbank, Gordon and Learmonth are busy working hard behind the scenes in the hope of appointing a leader for their next campaign.

The Tigers appeared on the verge of an announcement last week, but as of Sunday a replacement for Michael Searl was not yet confirmed.

Searl stepped down from the helm following last season’s preliminary final defeat, ending his two-year tenure at Tigerland.

The playing leader, who announced his decision in August and before the CHFL finals series, did the job in a joint capacity with Nick Couch in 2016, but on his own in 2017.

Gordon is chasing a replacement for Gary Learmonth, who departed following the semi-final loss to the Tigers.

The non-playing coach spent two years at the Eagles’ helm, but could not get the club back into a grand final.

Learmonth is the other club still hunting a senior coach.

The Lakies have been looking for a successor to Steve Biggin, who took the team to ninth position on the ladder last season.

The Courier understands the Lakies have approached a number of people about the job, but have been unsuccessful in securing a person to take over the reins.

Biggin returned to the role last season after being a playing coach with the Lakies during the mid-2000s.

The CHFL’s 14 other senior teams have all appointed coaches for next year, some of which are new leaders and others continuing in their respective positions.

While CHFL member club Smythesdale didn’t field a senior football side in 2017, it remains unclear whether or not the Bulldogs will manage a team in the top division in 2018.

In the Ballarat league, all 11 clubs have senior coaches for next year.

The appointment of Dale Power to the top job at Lake Wendouree completed the puzzle late last month.

Meanwhile, the deadline for the most recent round of feedback has been reached and the AFL Goldfields senior competition review working party will meet on Monday night to start planning its final recommendations.