NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has given a strong endorsement of Mark Neeld's capabilities and hinted a position may be available for him at the Kangaroos next year.
Both Scott and Neeld completed their apprenticeships under premiership coach Mick Malthouse at Collingwood.
Scott revealed he recently met Neeld for coffee to discuss his coaching plans next year.
"He's a good coach, Neeldy. I've seen him first-hand as an assistant coach," Scott told SEN Radio.
"Neeldy's had a tough time, but that doesn't take away from his ability.
"I think he's got a lot to offer the AFL industry, and I'm sure he'll still be involved at some club in the future."
However, Scott expects Malthouse, now at Carlton, Nathan Buckley (Collingwood) and Scott Watters (St Kilda) to all make a play for the former Melbourne head coach.
"We're really working hard in bolstering our footy department next year," Scott said.
"But there's a lot of water to pass under the bridge. We're happy with our coaches at the moment, but we're always looking to improve."
Neeld is about to head to New York on a study trip to enhance his coaching credentials.
Sacked by Melbourne in June, Neeld said last week that he was moving into next phase of his life.
"You really have one of two choices - you can sit and wallow in it and the world will pass you by, or you can get up and go forward 1000 miles an hour and come up with a plan, because that's the way the industry works," Neeld said.
"The AFL industry goes forward 1000 miles an hour, and when you're in the moment it can be very, very unforgiving, but it can very quickly turn to be very forgiving and 'right, let's now move on.'"
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_BenGuthrie
