Melbourne coach Paul Roos set to gauge interest from Cameron Ling and retired Lenny Hayes

MELBOURNE coach Paul Roos is set to gauge the interest of Cameron Ling and Lenny Hayes in succeeding him at the Demons.

St Kilda v Geelong. MCG. Cameron Ling handballs before Lenny Hayes tackles.

PAUL Roos said he was yet to gauge Cameron Ling’s interest in succeeding him as Melbourne coach and hinted he would also pursue retired Saint Lenny Hayes.

But Roos warned aspirants need not apply unless they would serve a apprenticeship before taking the reins at the end of 2015 or 2016.

The premiership master was unsure if he would coach the Demons in 2016 — Roos can activate a third season under his rich contract — and said Melbourne’s next step was to create a list of candidates who passionately wanted a senior job.

“I think Cameron is someone we’ll definitely have a chat to, but is one year or two years, depending on what I do, too soon to be an AFL coach?” Roos said.

Paul Roos addresses his players. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“I don’t know enough of Cameron to know yes or no. But I think probably Lenny would be someone you’d love to talk to, but is it too soon (for him)?”

Ling, who dipped his toes in this year with a part-time leadership coaching role at North Melbourne, has long been linked to the next top Demons job.

“Ling and Hayes were both outstanding players and from what I know could possibly make good coaches,” Roos said.

“But you’ve got to make the decision you want to be a senior coach and you’ve got to do some sort of apprenticeship.

Lenny Hayes has announced his retirement from the AFL.

“Everyone throws out names, but a lot of those names when you make a phone call (and ask) if you want to be a senior coach (the answer is) no I don’t.

“The next list we come up with will be a list we think are A) competent and B) those who want to do the job.”

Hayes confirmed his interest in coaching but is expected to remain at St Kilda.

Daniel Giansiracusa will enter the caper next season but will remain at the Western Bulldogs where he is already considered a highly-rated playing assistant.

Sydney assistant Stuart Dew was close to accepting the coach-in-waiting position at Melbourne last year before the Swans blocked the move.

Brendon Bolton could also enter the Demons’ shortlist after finishing with a 5-0 record as Hawthorn’s caretaker coach last month.

Roos said the lack of pathways to senior jobs was an issue flagged at the last coaches’ association meeting and an apprenticeship was a prerequisite at the Dees.

Originally published as Melbourne coach Paul Roos set to gauge interest from Cameron Ling and retired Lenny Hayes