RODNEY Eade has confirmed he was interviewed for the vacant Melbourne coaching position this week, but says his focus will remain squarely on Collingwood until the end of the season.
The Magpies' coaching strategist and acting football manager, Eade is considered one of the frontrunners to win the Demons position, alongside Richmond assistant Mark Williams and Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos.
"I had a chat [with Melbourne] this week," Eade told radio station Triple M on Friday night.
"I think they spoke to a couple of people this week.
"It was a pretty informal chat at this stage,” he said. “But my whole focus is Collingwood.
"I'm not too sure what Melbourne is going to do from now on – they said they might be back in touch – so I'll take it as it comes."
Under new AFL Coaches Association rules, Eade would not be permitted to start with Melbourne until the end of Collingwood's season, should he be appointed.
He dismissed any concern that the interview process could be a distraction.
"Most of it is done through my manager," the former Western Bulldogs and Swans coach said.
"I just had a quick catch-up.
"But nothing is going to interfere with Collingwood.
"That's my focus for the next three games and then the finals."
AFL.com.au reported on Thursday that Williams, the former Port Adelaide premiership coach, was interviewed by the Demons last week.
Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson has stated his preference that the replacement for Mark Neeld, sacked mid-season, has previous AFL experience.
Caretaker coach Neil Craig is also expected to be considered.
The club has also made contact with Roos, who is being targeted by the Brisbane Lions following their decision this week not to renew Michael Voss' contract for 2014.
Roos is yet to declare an interest in returning to senior coaching.
