Search

show me:

Money no issue for Roos in AFL coach hunt

3 minute read

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley says the Roos have the money to tempt the best coaching candidates as they search for a replacement for Brad Scott.

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley says the Roos have the money to attract the very best as they set about finding a replacement for departed senior coach Brad Scott.

The Kangaroos officially became the first AFL club on the hunt for a new coach this year when Buckley and Scott fronted a press conference on Sunday to confirm they had amicably parted ways.

Buckley said a committee would be formed to put together selection criteria and undertake the search for a replacement.

He wouldn't be drawn on whether a current senior coach, an assistant coach with senior experience or an untried assistant would be the preferred candidate.

But, unlike 10 years ago when Scott arrived, Buckley is adamant money won't be an issue.

"We're in a very, very strong financial position," Buckley said.

"I don't think the club has ever been in as strong a financial position as it is right now.

"We've got the resources to go out and look for the best and we will do that.

"We will leave no stone unturned.

"We have all the resources that we need to be competitive. We've worked very hard over the last 10 years to put those building blocks in place, with the facilities, the staffing levels, the ability to spend right up to the soft cap and the salary cap.

"So we want for nothing in that regard. We've got the resources to attract the very best."

Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson, Sydney's John Longmire and West Coast's Adam Simpson - all premiership coaches - have links with the club from their playing days.

AFL legend Leigh Matthews urged North not to go down the path of headhunting a current coach and instead go for an assistant like Michael Voss, Brenton Sanderson, Justin Leppitsch or Matthew Knights who have held the top job previously.

In his first season with the club, Rhyce Shaw will take over as Kangaroos caretaker coach and will be given the opportunity to audition for the job on a permanent basis.

"Certainly Rhyce will be in contention," Buckley said.

"He's a fantastic individual and he's made a great impact already on our team and our footy club.

"He'll do a fantastic job and puts himself in the frame."

A club-wide review will also commence this week and will be undertaken by Peter Nash, the former national chairman of KPMG, former club football director Glenn Archer and current board member Brian Walsh.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au