PAUL Roos’ logical approach to coaching and all things football will be his greatest asset to Melbourne, according to football media great Mike Sheahan. 

Sheahan, who worked with Roos on ‘On the Couch’ on Fox Footy, said Roos’ intelligent, common sense approach would be critical for the Demons.

“He’s a realist. He’s measured. He understands his stuff. He clearly understands the game. The Swans won a premiership and could’ve won another. [He was an] outstanding player,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“If I had to put one word on it, it’s his logic. You never see Roosy get too emotional. Nothing’s either the best it’s ever been or the worst it’s ever been. There’s middle ground.

“He understands and I like the fact he clearly knows the system from both sides of the fence – as a player and coach. I think he’s been freshened up – there’s no doubt about that.”

Sheahan said he was delighted Roos was named coach, although he enjoyed having him as a colleague.

“I’m pleased as a Melbourne supporter that Roosy’s got the job. I’m disappointed as an ‘On the Couch’ panelist that we’ve got to find another bloke, because it seems like it’s become a casting couch. Someone comes on and then one, two or three years later, they go back to coaching, but I’m really pleased and it’s exciting,” he said.

Sheahan said it had been fascinating to watch events unfold ever since Roos had been linked with the Melbourne position.

“I’ve actually watched this unfold incrementally over the past two months and when people say ‘do you think Roosy will do it?’ – I say ‘probably not, but the door’s not shut’,” he said.

“He showed growing interest in the return to coaching and in Melbourne specifically. I remember one conversation we had after the show one night and there was about eight or 10 of us in the discussion and Roosy sat and listened and then finally said ‘they’re (Melbourne) not that bad’.

“He’d been through the list and he saw a good defence and a powerful forward line with everyone up and running. There were some concerns in the midfield, like everyone else has, but he liked what he saw. I thought that’s interesting that he’s gone to the trouble of reviewing the list.

“If he had no interest, why would he bother doing that?  So then it just grew and grew from there.”

Sheahan praised the efforts of chief executive Peter Jackson, who pursued Roos vigourously for the Melbourne coaching position.

“Peter Jackson didn’t leave him alone and then sweetened it with a pretty handy salary package, but I shouldn’t say that, because I don’t believe Roosy is doing it for the money,” he said.

“I think Melbourne’s been able to rekindle the fire, and he’s now off and running.”

Sheahan said Roos’ success as a player and coach with the Sydney Swans will drive him as Melbourne coach.

“So from what I’ve seen, he’ll come in and do a great job and he’s also got that thing that the great players have got – pride. He’ll want to win, because he’s got an ego. He’ll want to be successful,” he said.

“He’ll assemble the right team around him, and he’ll win the players and he’ll win their respect, because of what he’s done and the way he’s handles them.

“I’m cautiously optimistic about what’s about to unfold.”