MELBOURNE are searching for an experienced senior or assistant coach to take the helm and lead the Demons into the club’s next era of AFL football, with the field narrowed to six decorated candidates. 

A lengthy resume is a requirement for the soon-to-be-appointed leader, with an extensive coaching history stipulated for the incoming hire.  

“I won't give you any names but what I can say is… a senior experienced coach is definitely the outcome that we want," Green said.

“We've said to most of the coaches that were prospective coaches, that we're looking for eight plus years’ experience and that doesn't matter if you've been a senior coach, coached a VFL team [or] been an AFL coach. 

“We're looking for the best coach to come and coach our football club.” 

Club President Brad Green denied speculation that the coaching race had already been run and won.  

The appointment panel, which includes Green, incoming CEO Paul Guerra, Director Steve Smith, GM of Football Alan Richardson, former Essendon Captain Jobe Watson, Melbourne Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi and HR specialist Meahan Callaghan has been leaving no stone unturned when sounding out potential suitors.  

“I think it's a bit unfair and disrespectful on the club and the people that are involved in the panel (to suggest the decision had already been made),” Green said. 

“Alan Richardson and Paul Guerra headed up the first process. With that, they've been in contact with a number of prospective coaches.  

“We've whittled that down to six at the moment and we're in the middle of it. Nathan [Buckley] is just one of the six candidates that we’ve got going through that. 

“We believe that we're going to find a terrific coach for our football club. 

The club is expecting to have its next head coach in place by mid to late September.