The Demons have broadened their search for the next head coach, with three new names emerging as possible contenders to replace Simon Goodwin.
After John Longmire and Adam Simpson officially withdrew from the race, Nathan Buckley was widely viewed as the frontrunner to take over at Melbourne.
But up to 15 coaches have been sounded out by the Dees, according to AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich.
The persistent dilemma in AFL coaching is whether to give another chance to an established mentor or opt to give a promising, less experienced option a shot at the big time.
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It appears the Demons could be leaning towards the latter as the 2021 premiers take the next step in their rebuild, with three current assistants attracting the interest of the Victorian outfit.
“Melbourne is currently finalising its shortlist for its next senior coach this week,” Gabelich told SEN.
“They've met with a wide range of coaches over the past fortnight. All informal speed dates, such as coffee catchups.
“I'm told that up to 15 coaches they've met with. So they have cast the net far and wide.
“Three names I can bring you, Brendon Lade, the midfield coach at the Western Bulldogs, David Hale, the Hawthorn midfield coach and Geelong assistant James Kelly."
The 53-year-old Buckley has made no secret of his desire to return to coaching, linked with both the Demons and the future Tassie role.
But Gabelich added the Demons are conducting a comprehensive process, with the goal to have their next head coach in place by the final week of the season.
“Clearly, Nathan Buckley is the frontrunner, but they are going to run a full process here," he continued.
“They expect the shortlist to be six to eight names that will be finalised in the next couple of days and they’ll get going on that because they still aim to have a senior coach in place by grand final week because of how important the trade period is.
“But they are casting the net far and wide.”