Roos unlikely to coach third AFL team

Barring the addition of an AFL franchise in Hawaii, Melbourne mentor Paul Roos can’t see himself coaching beyond this season.

Roos’ three-year tenure at the Demons ends this year, with Simon Goodwin appointed in 2014 as his successor.

Famed for helping Sydney break a 72-year premiership drought, he remains in negotiations with Melbourne about a potential role in 2017.

Demons boss Peter Jackson told Fairfax Media he would be staggered if another club did not try to tempt Roos with another senior coaching position.

Roos indicated on Friday they would be wasting their time.

“Unless there is a team in Waikiki. The Waikiki Whalers, I’m happy to start a new team if (AFL chief) Gil (McLachlan) wants to start one over there,” Roos laughed.

“I’m happy to be the director of coaching or something like that. I don’t think you’re going to find a ground to play on.”

Taking a more serious tone, Roos suggested his focus was on extending the Demons’ bright start to the season and it was pointless discussing the issue.

“I know people probably won’t believe me so there’s no point me addressing it,” he said.

“My intentions are family; my intentions are to travel. That’s just the way I see it at the moment.”

Roos has helped add steel and skill to a team that hasn’t made the finals since 2006, with the Demons having recorded three wins from the opening five rounds to sit 10th on the ladder.

The 52-year-old noted there had been brief and informal discussions with Jackson and Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney about 2017.

“We’re all really comfortable but we’re all focused on this year and trying to get the best out of the players and win as many games as we can,” Roos said.

“That’s the focus of the footy club.

“If we sit down during the year, fantastic.

“If we don’t, it’s the end of the year – that’s fine.”

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