Paul Roos denies Demons bid to lure Mark Thompson

1280. Coach Paul Roos

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Roos is locked in for two seasons as Melbourne coach, with an optional third year which is expected to be a handover period.



But the succession plan remains a constant talking point, as the club developes a shortlist of candidates.



Roos on Tuesday hosed down talk that Essendon interim coach Mark Thompson was a leading contender.

"We're not going to talk to anyone (at the moment) and we can't, unless they're not coaching," Roos said.

"You're not going to disrespect any other football clubs."



Roos said his successor's level of experience would dictate what role he would play at the Demons in the long-term.

"It's really early in discussions with (chief executive) Peter (Jackson) and I have no idea what that (post-coaching job) would look like," he said.

"It might be predicated on who the coach is and how much help they may need, and what sort of role could fit around that."



"ll have a say, but I suppose it'll be more in the hands of other people.

"We're trying to put in a place an eight-year structure, which is so much more stability than any club ever really has,” he said.



The Sydney’s premiership coach’s immediate priority is Melbourne’s match against top team Port Adelaide in Alice Springs this Saturday.

"Internally (the search for a coach) is not a focus for us at all. The meetings this week are about beating Port, the players understand," Roos said.


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