STUART Dew remains in the frame for Melbourne's senior assistant coaching position even though he is tied to the Sydney Swans until the end of 2014.
The Demons are yet to determine the best candidate for the post but have not ruled out Dew taking on the position when his contract with the Swans expires, even if it means waiting for him to take on the role.
Paul Roos is contracted for the next two seasons, with the option of a third, so will be the senior coach until the end of 2015 at least, before handing over the reins to his senior assistant.
AFL.com.au understands Melbourne is determined to ensure that the club gets the best candidate to fill the job rather than limiting the field to those available in 2014.
However, it is yet to make a decision on who is the best candidate.
Other candidates include Hawthorn assistant coach Adam Simpson, who remains in the race for the senior position at West Coast.
Scott Burns, who is an assistant with West Coast, also spoke to Melbourne.
Hawthorn and the Eagles allowed Simpson and Burns to officially interview for the position but the Sydney Swans have taken a hard line even though most in the industry believe the senior position would be a promotion for Dew.
Roos has been disappointed with some of the comments made from departing Swans chairman Richard Colless, expressing the view that he was owed an apology.
Roos worked with Dew at the Swans and newly appointed football manager Josh Mahoney played alongside him in a premiership at Port Adelaide.
Dew also played in a premiership at Hawthorn and was in the coaches box when the Swans won the 2012 flag.
He has experienced success now at three environments and is well respected.
Brett Allison has joined Melbourne from North Melbourne in a development role and Ben Mathews moved from a development role with the Gold Coast to work under his former premiership coach at the Demons.
Former Melbourne and Richmond player Brad Miller has also been appointed to work in development.
Jade Rawlings remains at the club as an assistant coach.
Neil Craig will not be at the Demons in 2014 but they will have to pay out the final year of his contract.
Melbourne is expected to take an active approach in this year's trading period with Mahoney telling AFL.com.au's Gillette Trade Radio the club was highly likely to trade its No.2 pick.
It wants to attract experienced midfielders but the club is expected to target those with talent under the age of 24.
It will contemplate veterans such as delisted Western Bulldogs midfielder Daniel Cross once its position becomes clearer at the end of the trade and exchange period.
"If we could add two to three experience midfielders ... they can come into the side and play alongside the already group of young talent we've got, that would be a successful period for us," Mahoney said.
