Melbourne snuck down to Geelong to speak to Sanderson and are meeting today to finalise their final list of five who will be asked to present a match day simulation and game plan in two week's time.

Greg Denham said that McKenna and Bond are out of the running but Dean Bailey from Port is in contention.

The coach should be announced in the week after Round 22.

I doubt very much that Bond and McKenna are out of the running.

SEN talks a lot of s***.

How could Bond possibly be out of the running?

He has constantly been touted by Melbourne as a strong candidate. Im not sure Mckenna would be either. As Garry Lyon said last night they would work out the FIVE short listed today.

Not four.

Yeah quite possibly as pretty much every one else has said Bond is a front runner.

Just thought i would post what was said, please don't shoot me Jaded

I wouldn't be surprised in Mckenna does not make the cut.

All we can take out of any of the "news" issued by SEN and others is that they just dont know and are mixing speculation with assumptions in the absence of fact in much the same way this site analyses coaching prospects.

FWIW, it was always planned that the new coach would be named/appointed the week after R 22. Nothing new there.

Oh yeah, i know it's all opinions. Just interesting to hear that they saw Sanderson, the rest i just tacked on.

All we can take out of any of the "news" issued by SEN and others is that they just dont know and are mixing speculation with assumptions in the absence of fact in much the same way this site analyses coaching prospects.

FWIW, it was always planned that the new coach would be named/appointed the week after R 22. Nothing new there.

I think Grant Thomas is right on this one, many Coaches are picked before the process even starts. The process is then window dressing for the membership to show that an extensive search was undertaken.

I think Grant Thomas is right on this one, many Coaches are picked before the process even starts. The process is then window dressing for the membership to show that an extensive search was undertaken.

In some cases I agree, it is window dressing, and the decision has already been made, however, I don't think this is the case with the MFC on this occasion.

In some cases I agree, it is window dressing, and the decision has already been made, however, I don't think this is the case with the MFC on this occasion.

I can tell you executive search companies are not cheep (I understand we may have used one). The process they are undergoing would draw a lot of time and resources, something we dont have a lot of. It would be a very expensive PR exercise if it is as you suggest redleg. I highly doubt it.

I doubt very much that Bond and McKenna are out of the running.

SEN talks a lot of [censored].

Well Jaded, your considered and informed opinion of SEN appears to be somewhat off the mark according to Hutchy in todays Age. Apparently, both are out of the running. Go Sheeds!

For the billionth time, the place to discuss moderator behavior is not in the middle of a thread. Thread cleaned.

Wow. I didn't even know you could clean a thread just like that.

You cant, you have to employ the dozers from fragile rock.

You cant, you have to employ the dozers from fragile rock.

Haha, fragile rock, funny comparison

I think Grant Thomas is right on this one, many Coaches are picked before the process even starts. The process is then window dressing for the membership to show that an extensive search was undertaken.

I agree with Real Demon.

Fwiw, do you think Clarkson was the man the Hawks wanted all along? I imagine they wanted to take a look at whoever was out there, and get the best man for the job. The 'process' helps you find out who that person is.

KEEN SHEEDY SUBMITS TO DEES' TESTS - THE AGE

In summary they have narrowed it down to Sheedy, Connolly, Hardwick, Bailey and Riley.

Interesting that they are bending the rules for sheedy as they intially wanted a younger coach.

The match simulation results would be interesting.

The search continues ...

That sounds good i really hope sheedy gets the job he would definetly pollish our strengths and improve our weaknesses. Do we really need 2 put sheedy through a physch test which evaluates his leadership and captaincy?

Sheedy coach 08'

Youd be cutting off your nose to spite your face not to acknowledge that the offerings having chnaged with Sheedy entering the equation might determine some bending of previous criteria. Though having said that he seems very keen.; still has the fire.

I think it was Brey on other thread ( apologies if not ) that brought up the idea of Connolly possibly complementing Sheeds in the Football Dept's newly vacated mangers spot. This might actually make for an interesting teaming. I wonder if Chris would be up for it.

I find it surprising that Bond and Mckenna couldn't crack the short list but Connolly can

I think it was Brey on other thread ( apologies if not ) that brought up the idea of Connolly possibly complementing Sheeds in the Football Dept's newly vacated mangers spot. This might actually make for an interesting teaming. I wonder if Chris would be up for it.

That actually sounds like a viable idea (from the outside anyway)........

People who were anti-Connolly earlier in this process (me included) seemed to generally be anti him taking over as senior coach (which I still am, unless he gets appointed) but there was quite a swell of support for having him be involved within the club in some other capacity. Maybe this could well be the avenue to that?

And can someone please point me in the direction of some information on Bailey? Thanks

I find it surprising that Bond and Mckenna couldn't crack the short list but Connolly can

That Bond didn't make the list is a little bit of a surprise perhaps, but I think you'll find McKenna's reputation is entirely media driven and he doesn't command particularly wide respect in the footy community. It really doesn't matter anyway. Of the shortlist, Riley is on as a courtesy (much like Greg Hutchison in 97). Bailey and Hardwick may both be looked at as longer term options and Connolly is not a chance for the coaching job, but don't be surprised if he takes over the footy managers role vacated by Fagan. I'd say the job is now Sheeds if he wants it, and from all reports he does! I think this is our best chance to finally put to rest the "curse"!

I would have Connolley as a foot department person, just not coach

I find it surprising that Bond and Mckenna couldn't crack the short list but Connolly can

I'm rapt actually.

It will either be Sheedy or Bailey!!!

Mark my words.... Living here in Adelaide and being involved in local footy has given me a nice insight into the workings of Dean Bailey.....

The bloke was a shyte player, but his coaching prospects are enormous! Mark Williams is no mug! Port have done some amazing things over the last 5 years and Bailey has flown under the radar a bit in the media....

He is the real deal...

That final list doesn't inspire me much, there's only one name on it that I'd want, however having said that I don't know much about Bailey's coaching abilities.