Mark Williams after the 2004 AFL grand final win with Port Adelaide. Will we see this at Melbourne? Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun
THE race to coach Melbourne next year is on. Here we list the contenders for the job and rate their chances.
PAUL ROOS
The former Sydney premiership coach is enjoying his time in the media, but let's be honest - the job is his if he wants it. The big question - does he?
WHAT HE SAYS: "Look, I will take a call. I am happy to talk if they want me to talk now that Neeld has gone. I don't have a problem with that. My mindset is it would want to be a significant change ... to where I am at the moment."
WHAT WE SAY: The Dees will move heaven and earth for Roos, who has consistently said he doesn’t think he will coach again, but won't quite rule it out. Would change their culture, instil defensive football, and sell the club. The perfect choice.
Former Swans coach Paul Roos. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
RODNEY EADE
Former coach of two clubs, and now high up at Collingwood.
WHAT HE SAYS: Eade still he still has got "the fire in the guts" to coach. "If (Melbourne) did want to have a chat, well we'd see what would happen then," he said.
WHAT WE SAY: Rocket missed a flag at both Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, but his reputation as the consummate salesman belies a coach who generated exciting teams which also played strong defence. Still has the hunger. Develops kids and believed to be interested.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley with Rodney Eade. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
MARK WILLIAMS
An AFL premiership coach, Williams is currently working in development at Richmond.
WHAT WE SAY: The initial favourite. Won Port Adelaide's only AFL flag and was the heir apparent under Kevin Sheedy at GWS. But that relationship soured, bringing about a hasty exit and some baggage. Sells a club, loves hard-nosed defensive footy. Much to recommend. Work with Tiger cubs highly encouraging.
Mark Williams at Tigerland. Source: Getty Images
JOHN WORSFOLD
Coach of the West Coach Eagles and 2006 premiership coach.
WHAT HE SAYS: Worsfold ruled himself out of the Demons job at a press conference in Perth today. He has said he will announce his plans for the future soon enough.
WHAT WE SAY: West Coast now believes he will call it quits at season's end, but he is extremely long odds to continue coaching elsewhere. Worth a phone call, but won't get him.
Eagles coach John Worsfold is at a loss to explain his team's shock defeat to Richmond. Source: Getty Images
ALASTAIR CLARKSON
Coach of Hawthorn and 2008 premiership coach.
WHAT WE WAY: The Demons offered him $1 million a year before they offered Mark Neeld a deal, but his manager Liam Pickering ruled out any interest from Clarkson yesterday.
Source: Herald Sun
NEIL CRAIG
Melbourne interim coach. Former Adelaide coach
WHAT WE SAY: Not considered a contender for 2014. Closely tied to Mark Neeld.
Neil Craig and Mark Neeld at Melbourne training. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun
KEVIN SHEEDY
Coach of the GWS Giants, stepping down at season's end. Four-time premiership coach.
WHAT WE SAY: No way. Was interviewed when the club appointed Dean Bailey, and both parties left angry.
GWS coach Kevin Sheedy Source: Herald Sun
MARK 'BOMBER' THOMPSON
Senior assistant to James Hird at Essendon. Two-time premiership coach.
WHAT HE SAYS: Thompson was asked on AFL 360 last night and made it clear he has zero interest.
WHAT WE SAY: ON a great wicket at Essendon and very, very unlikely to coach at senior level again.
Mark Thompson and James Hird. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
BRETT RATTEN
Assistant coach at Hawthorn, former Carlton coach.
WHAT WE SAY: Was sacked by Carlton only last year, but the consensus is he wants to coach at senior level again. Unlikely for this position, though.
Brett Ratten at Hawthorn training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
GARY AYRES
Premiership coach with VFL team Port Melbourne. Former Geelong and Adelaide AFL coach.
WHAT HE SAYS: Has said before he still hopes to one day coach at AFL level.
WHAT WE SAY: A left field choice and not a safe choice, which counts against them for this position.
Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun
UNTRIED ASSISTANT
It Could say Dees/AFL would be loathe to give it to a first-timer given Neeld debacle, but who’s out there?
SCOTT BURNS AND ALAN RICHARDSON
WHAT WE WAY: "Considered the next cabs off the ranks as untried coaches, but the Dees won't go untried.
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