Carlton says it remains on track to announce its new coach by the end of August deadline, meaning the appointment will be made official in the next week.

The aim for the club's coach selection panel, consisting of CEO Steven Trigg, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, Chris Judd and Ken Sheldon, has always been to finalise the decision before the end of this month.

Judd said on Sunday the Blues were still finalising the process but would name Mick Malthouse's full-time replacement in the "next week or two".

"I'm really confident that the process has been a thorough one, and the panel that was selected was really good, and I've enjoyed being a part of it," Judd said at the Blues' pre-match function before their clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

"Hopefully it's a legacy I can look back on and say I was a part of."

Hawthorn assistant Brendon Bolton and Blues caretaker John Barker are thought to be the frontrunners, while Collingwood assistant Scott Burns has also reportedly presented to the panel.

It is not known what it would mean for Bolton's immediate future on Alastair Clarkson's team if he were appointed, with the Hawks poised to take on a sixth consecutive finals campaign – and premiership defence - in the coming weeks.

But the Blues are adamant they'll proceed with making the decision known before the start of September. 


"We have undertaken a comprehensive process to appoint a coach and we remain on track to announce the successful candidate by the end of the month," club president Mark LoGiudice said.

"It has been a thorough and exhaustive process.

"The candidates have been outstanding and ultimately our new coach will be the very best person to develop and lead our team."

The Blues' president also refused to return fire at Lachie Henderson, whose mother Vonnie slammed the club on Saturday by saying it was "completely and utterly wrong" to suggest her son refused to play in the VFL in the coming weeks.

LoGiudice said the list management decision had essentially been made for them when Henderson told them he sought a trade.

"Obviously we are disappointed but ultimately we must have people who want to play for the Carlton jumper, and who will accept the honour, the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with wearing the jumper," he said.

"We do wish Lachie all the best for the future in his football career."