Paul Roos says this week will be his final game as an AFL coach

PAUL Roos says he is “done and dusted” as an AFL coach as he prepares for his final game in charge of Melbourne this weekend.

Paul Roos. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

PAUL Roos says he is “done and dusted” as an AFL coach as he prepares for his final game in charge of Melbourne this weekend.

Roos will coach the Demons for the final time against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday before handing over to Simon Goodwin.

In three years at the helm, he has elevated the Demons from 17th with four wins to the verge of a finals berth.

Despite continuing questions over whether he would consider offers in the future, Roos was adamant he would not be back as a senior coach.

“That’s it,” he said on Wednesday.

“Signing off. Done and dusted. One last joke and then I just leave.

“I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s game and then riding off into the sunset.’’

Melbourne coach Paul Roos will handover to Simon Goodwin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Demons said they would officially farewell Roos at the club’s best-and-fairest night on September 6.

They also plan to acknowledge him privately on Friday.

Roos said the massive rebuild of Melbourne’s list had been his biggest achievement at the club.

“If I had to single one thing out, probably the turnover of the list,’’ he said on SEN.

“It’s been a massive job. I think there is about 30 guys that have changed.

“I think that stands out when you look at the Round 1 team, 2013, compared to what was on the field at the weekend. It’s been a huge turnaround and hopefully the fans can see some real talent moving forward.’’

The Demons’ 2016 finals hopes ended with their loss to Carlton at the MCG last Sunday, and Roos said there was “still another level that we’ve got to get to” before the team can reach September.

But he was confident the upward curve would continue under Goodwin.

“‘Goody’ has a massive role this year in the game plan,” Roos said.

“I don’t think much is going to change from what you will see — just the improvement.

“Goody will drive the improvement with the young guys. He has got a great relationship with them. He’s going to be a terrific coach and he’s had a massive impact in the two years that he’s been here already.’’

“I can’t guarantee when the Melbourne footy club will play finals, but there’s no question in my mind that the coaching group, with Simon Goodwin coming in, and with the talent level it’s going to happen.’’

Roos backed Nathan Jones to continue as captain.

“He’s still relatively young ... I would say he would be captain, I think, for a number of years yet,’’ Roos said.

“Whoever it is coming up behind him, they have got a really good role model now to look up to — how you should captain the club.’’

Originally published as Paul Roos says this week will be his final game as an AFL coach