MELBOURNE will continue the process of preparing Simon Goodwin for the senior coaching role in 2017, with the Demons to give him the opportunity to sit in the hot seat during the club's 2016 NAB Challenge campaign. 

The senior assistant coach will take over the permanent job from Paul Roos at the end of 2016 under the succession plan hatched in 2014.

Demons play it safe with Petracca 

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney confirmed Goodwin would be in charge as coach in the upcoming pre-season competition.

"Coaching the NAB Challenge gives Simon another opportunity to continue his development in preparation to being our senior coach in 2017," Mahoney told the club's website.

"We've been working with Simon over the last 12 months, which will continue into this season, and we'll be providing him opportunities to develop as many skills as possible for the big step of moving from a senior assistant coach to a senior coach."

Roos gave John Longmire a similar experience when the Sydney Swans' coaching handover was constructed in 2008.

“The advantage of Paul Roos having experienced this previously with John Longmire gives us great insight into what areas we should have particular focus on in developing a plan for Simon," Mahoney said.

"We're certainly using that as a reference, when building his development plan."

Melbourne is set to open its NAB Challenge campaign against Port Adelaide at Playford Alive Oval (Elizabeth Oval), Adelaide on Saturday, February 27.

The Demons will then face off against the Western Bulldogs at Highgate Recreational Reserve in Craigieburn on Sunday, March 6. 

Melbourne's final game before the premiership season begins is against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 13.