KEY forward Chris Dawes says he wants Melbourne’s next senior coach to be the best available, and its No. 1 option.
Although Dawes said he didn’t have a preference at this stage, he was adamant that “the players didn’t want the third or fourth choice” coach.
“You want the club to do everything in its power to get the first choice coach,” he told Triple M.
Dawes said that whether it be the likes of Paul Roos, Rodney Eade or incumbent Neil Craig, the appointment of the new coach was not a players’ issue. But he said the club needed to make the right decision.
“Paul Roos’ name has been thrown up … if he chooses to throw his hat back in the ring. But if he’s at all hesitant about wanting to get back into coaching, then you don’t want somebody whose heart’s not in it. I think everyone’s aware of that,” he said.
“As far as Neil Craig goes, he’s been super and I think he’s a real asset for the footy club. Again, if he chooses to throw his hat into the ring, coaching wise, that’s something that he’s got to work out and the club has to work out.
“I think they certainly want an experienced coach. I’m not sure if they’ll want to bring someone in from the outside, who hasn’t been part of the coaching staff for the past 18 months, but that’s a decision for the board and CEO etc to make.”
Reflecting on Melbourne’s nail biting three-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday night, Dawes said the club’s second victory of the season was a “huge result”.
He said Neil Craig had added freshness to the side, since the departure of Mark Neeld.
“That’s often the case, but it’s not always reflective of the coach who’s gone and the one in coming – it’s just purely having a voice in there, who can revitalise the group and give a bit more energy,” Dawes said.
“I think that’s starting to show in the way we’re playing. We’re playing with a greater level of energy, and that allowed us to start well.”
The 2010 Collingwood premiership player remained optimistic that Melbourne could improve quickly.
“Teams can improve quickly - in a matter of months, and that’s especially true of a young playing list,” Dawes said.
“People can forget how quickly younger sides can develop. That’s why GWS [will improve] and you’re seeing it this year with Gold Coast - they’re going to be real threats in the next few years with the amount of talent they’ve got on their lists.”
