Sexton announced last week he would be stepping down after three years with club president Scott Jaques saying the Pigeons wouldn't waste any time in their search.

"As a club and committee we will look at it and try and lock someone in prior to the season's end so there is some certainly for players and supporters going into next year," Jaques said.

"This is probably the first time for many, many years we have had as clear a position as we have right now."

Jaques was glowing in his praise of Sexton.

"He's been fantastic," he said.

"It's been a big effort through travelling from Finley, running a fair farming operation and trying to keep up with four kids.

"Hopefully he will hang around and I think he will."