NORTH Melbourne will this week formally interview caretaker coach Rhyce Shaw for its permanent job.

While already impressed beyond their wildest dreams with Shaw's seven-week stint in the interim post, the Roos will subject Shaw to a rigorous process, including intensive psychological vetting. 

The Roos will continue to sound out other candidates, but the job is clearly Shaw's to lose as he enters the official interview stage. 

Shaw rocketed to favouritism in the eyes of North officials after Adam Simpson, Alastair Clarkson and John Longmire all rejected approaches to coach the club.

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While that trio was being asked, and in Longmire's case, courted, Shaw won four – including victories over Richmond and Collingwood - of the first five games after taking over from the exited Brad Scott in round 11.

Such is Shaw's already entrenched status at North that even losses in the past two matches -  to Essendon by five points in round 17 and last weekend to Brisbane – have actually enhanced his credentials. 

If Shaw successfully emerges from the interview process, North Melbourne will publicly announce him as its preferred coach before the end of the home and away season.