Melbourne chops three development coaches

MELBOURNE’S coaching cleanout has claimed another three with Paul Roos set to enter 2014 with a fresh coaching box.

Jack Watts

MELBOURNE'S coaching cleanout has claimed another three with Paul Roos set to enter 2014 with a fresh coaching box.

Development coaches Paul Satterley, Aaron Greaves and Andrew Nichol have not been offered new contracts, joining veteran assistant Brian Royal and Leigh Brown as terminated Demons.

Caretaker coach Neil Craig is also poised to move on, while Mark Neeld was sacked after Round 11 this year.

Old Dog may become a Demon

Craig is in the running for the vacant Brisbane Lions post and favoured to win the role should the Lions follow the blueprint set by Sydney and Collingwood - and now Melbourne -  and implement a coaching succession plan.

Last week Roos said: “I don’t think so” when asked if he planned to reappoint Craig.

“I think the circumstances that Neil found himself in, he was told that - if he didn't get the job - my understanding is that he would happily move on.”

Satterley joined the Dees as development forward line coach after an impressive VFL season at Werribee, where he was rated among the top coaches in the league.

Greaves speared the midfield development line after an apprenticeship at TAC Cup outfit Geelong Falcons and also came to the Dees with a healthy reputation.

Melbourne is still searching for the senior assistant it plans to hand the senior reins to after Roos and the club has already sounded out Hawthorn assistant Adam Simpson and West Coast’s Scott Burns, who could also win the Eagles top job.

Roos last week snared two-time North Melbourne premiership player Brett Allison and former Swans defender Ben Matthews as the first appointments of his new-look set up.

Melbourne now looks certain to retain No. 1 pick Jack Watts, while Roos last night revealed he had texted Dustin Martin’s manager Ralph Carr.

Jack Watts

“Carr sent a message to me congratulating me on the coaching job. I sent one back saying ‘thanks very much, how are things going with Dustin?’” Roos told Fox Footy’s On The Couch.

“Early last week I inquired again and he said let’s have a chat, but at this stage I haven’t spoken to him.

“I think you’ve got to find out what Dustin wants to do, whether he wants to come and play for the Melbourne Football Club.”

Roos said he Martin’s best footy warranted $600,000 a year, a number more than what Richmond reportedly tabled the damaging midfielder.

Roos has already said pick No. 2 in this year’s draft is up for grabs and is hell-bent on adding depth and quality to the midfield.

Melbourne has also chopped James Sellar, Troy Davis, Tom Gillies, Josh Tynan and rookie Tom Couch from its playing list.