SACKED Melbourne coach Dean Bailey has admitted he coached for draft picks in his first two years at the helm.

Bailey coached the Demons to the wooden spoon in both 2008 and 2009, enabling them to secure the first draft picks in both seasons as well as the second pick in 2009.

Those draft picks were used to recruit Jack Watts, Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.

Speaking at the press conference to announce his sacking, Bailey said gaining decent draft picks was a high priority.

"I had no hesitation at all in the first two years of ensuring this club was well placed for draft picks," Bailey said.

"I have no hesitation in what we've done. I think what we've done is the right thing by the club and if it cost me my job so be it. But the club is always bigger than the individual."

Without directly admitting to tanking, Bailey said he used games to try different players in different positions with a view to the long-term future.

"I experimented to a level that meant we got players into certain positions and we developed them in those positions. I think they've benefited from it and will in the future," he said.

"You can't expect a player to go out there and just not try. Of course they were trying."

Bailey said his philosophy was shared by many at the Demons at the time.

"I was asked to do the best thing by the Melbourne Football Club and I did it. I did the right thing by the Melbourne Football Club. I put players in different positions to enable them," he said.

"I think the whole football club agreed we wanted to develop our players so we did."

Bailey said he felt strongly supported by his players as questions hovered about his coaching future.

"I can't think of a single player I have coached in the last two or three weeks who wouldn't be right behind me, who wouldn't put their hand up to go out and play well for me. I think that is a reflection on the playing group and I have no hesitation in saying that," he said.

But Bailey did hesitate when asked if he felt he had the support of senior Melbourne officials this season.

"The thing about starting to pick and choose relationships is that also becomes an absolute distraction," he said.

"I've always had great support from the players and the coaches and I continue to have that now."