Paul Roos keeps Melbourne, Brisbane guessing about coaching plans

PAUL Roos continues his flirtation with a return to AFL coaching, all but batting his eyelids at his pair of club suitors.

PAUL Roos continued his flirtation with a return to AFL coaching yesterday, all but batting his eyelids at his pair of club suitors.

That will-he, won't-he proposition is driving Melbourne and Brisbane mad with lust.

No, says Roosy, but not never. I'm not interested, he says, but feel free to keep on calling me.

His availability seems to have been one of many factors that led Brisbane to sack club legend Michael Voss, who yesterday departed with dignity and reputation intact.

Roos has every right to take all the time he needs, saying yesterday: "At the moment I am not going to coach, and if that changes tomorrow, I will let you guys know very quickly".

$1.5 million Roos offer behind Voss sacking

Some close to him believe he is warming to the prospect, but most confidants say he is just determined not to be hung by a single quote if he does return to the big league.

But while Melbourne sees Swans premiership coach Roos as its dream prospect, it also has more realistic aims. No point trying to bat too far above your average.

In coming days the Dees' coaching sub-committee will interview Collingwood's Rodney Eade and Richmond's Mark Williams.

Both are fine prospects, with Eade believed to have his nose in front.

Collingwood and Melbourne have been in regular contact as per new AFL Coaches Association protocols, with the Pies hopeful Eade wins the job.

No one at Melbourne believes Roos is out of the race, but it can't depend on him to commit.

Roos shouldn't coach Lions for money

The informed mail is that Roos would prefer to wait to lead a big club closer to a premiership.

He denied on Fox Sports News that he had signed a contract at either club, again hedging his bets about a return to senior coaching.

"I certainly haven't signed, as speculated," he said. "Before I determine if there is a job available I have to say if I want to coach.

"I have certainly thought about it because it's in the news but I haven't got my head around doing it. With the Melbourne job when Mark (Neeld) was sacked I said I am happy to take (CEO) Peter Jackson's call. Now if (Brisbane chairman) Angus Johnson was to ring me, I am happy to talk."

Voss gone, Jonathan Brown beware

What about the prospect of luring Voss to the Demons as a senior assistant under a senior coach such as Eade?

It marries the tactical awareness and spruiking ability of Eade and the rugged aggression of Voss that is so badly needed at Melbourne.

Former Melbourne forward David Schwarz said yesterday Voss should coach Melbourne.

Either of those options make a heck of a lot of sense.

However, the early word is that Voss might re-introduce himself to wife Donna and their three children before potentially spending a year in the media and then weighing up his next move.

But if Melbourne cannot land Roos, the next best thing may be an Eade-Voss combination it could easily sell to its fanbase.

It's not quite the succession plan the club had in mind, but no one doubts Voss will be a better coach - even at assistant level - after five years at Brisbane.

The Demons now have at least three other quality coaching options should Roosy turn out to be a tease.