THERE has been an unexplained betting plunge on Paul Roos to take the vacant Melbourne coaching position.

 

The Sydney Swans premiership mentor was backed in from $7 on Friday to as short as $1.80 on Monday morning.

 

"It has been a massive go, we don't normally see this much action in a coaching market unless people have some inside information," Centrebet's Michael Felgate said.

 

Felgate told AFL.com.au the sheer weight of numbers in terms of interest from punters is what made the plunge so intriguing.

 

"Roos has been the best backed since we opened the market, but the money this morning and enquiries over the weekend from punters wanting to back him tell us he is ready to get back into the coaching ranks," Felgate said.

 

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson has been in contact with Roos, who told him he "doesn't see himself coaching."

 

But in a recent radio interview Jackson said: "Maybe we can convince him over time it's a challenge that's going to envigorate him."

 

Mark Williams remains on the second line of betting at $4 with interim coach Neil Craig and Rodney Eade both at $5.