Melbourne's Colin Sylvia is yet to decide where he'll play next year. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE free agent Colin Sylvia left for a three-week American holiday on Friday no more clear about his future at the Demons.
Sylvia, 27, has been heavily courted by rival clubs and is able to leave without the Demons matching a deal.
However new Melbourne coach Paul Roos said after his appointment on Friday that his first priority was to retain Sylvia and fellow forward Jack Watts, 22.
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Roos spoke to Sylvia when he met with club leaders last week and again on Friday.
But Sylvia is likely to spend his holiday pondering his future before making a decision on potentially the final contract of his career.
Melbourne is likely to retain Jack Watts now that Roos is coach and keen to settle him into one position.
Talks on his contract will start soon, with the Demons hoping to ward off interest from Carlton and Fremantle.
But Sylvia, who will be 28 in November, is in a similar position to former St Kilda player Brendon Goddard, now at Essendon, in that his opportunity to win a premiership is rapidly shrinking.
He might choose to cross to a finals contender who can utilise his skills and offer the lure of regular finals.
Roos on Friday night ruled out waiting until the end of next year to appoint a successor after former Geelong skipper Cameron Ling again said he was not a contender.
Ling was considered the man most likely to be chased as the assistant coach to be groomed by Roos.
He has met with Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson, but said on radio yesterday: "As I sit here I am committed to 3AW Football next year. I am really keen for another year in media. I do want to coach at some stage."
Melbourne was thrilled to secure Roos on a guaranteed two-year deal with an option for a third season, but that decision still drew criticism yesterday from some commentators wondering why he was prepared to commit for only two years.
He said on Friday night that he would not coach beyond another three seasons under any circumstances, but might continue at the club in another capacity.
The Demons are resigned to waiting for a month or more to appoint his probable successor because potential coaches such as Adam Simpson and Scott Burns will be contenders at other clubs.
Essendon's Mark Thompson is seen as little chance of coaching Essendon during James Hird's 12-month suspension, and Mark Harvey believed to be prepared to step in during the Bombers' time of need.
NORTH Melbourne key defender Luke Delaney could solve St Kilda's key defensive problems after requesting a trade from the Roos.
North Melbourne confirmed yesterday Delaney, 24, would seek more opportunity elsewhere after playing 26 games in the past three years at Arden St.
GWS V North Melbourne at Skoda Stadium, Sydney. GWS Israel Folau contests with North Melbourne Luke Delaney. Picture: Rohan Kelly Source: The Daily Telegraph
The Saints have repeated their desire to land an established key defender and have Delaney in their sights after missing out on West Coast stopper Mitch Brown in recent years.
North offered 194cm backmen Delaney a new deal but is now expected to pursue a second-round draft pick in exchange for him.
Brisbane is trying to prevent a walk-out of some of its most talented youngsters, with a batch of out-of-contract players weighing up trade options.
Hawthorn is believed to be eyeing second-year ruckman Billy Longer and Collingwood has an interest in tall midfielder Patrick Karnezis.
The futures of defender Sam Docherty, wingman Jared Polec, utility Elliott Yeo and forward Aaron Cornelius are unclear heading into next month's trade period.
- with Jay Clark
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