Following confirmation on Friday Paul Roos would be Melbourne's coach for the next two years, only West Coast and the Brisbane Lions are searching for a new mentor.
The Lions have begun interviewing possible candidates this week, while the Eagles are in very preliminary stages after announcing on only Thursday John Worsfold had resigned.
Let's take at which coaches are in the mix and just where they might end up.
Michael Voss
Voss was controversially dumped by the Lions last month,three rounds from the end of his fifth season in charge. He made thefinals in his first season (2009) and finished with a success rate of 40per cent. After a much-publicised trading binge that went horriblywrong at the end of his first season, Voss re-started and helped developand mould a young, competitive list in Brisbane. Indicated he wouldlike to coach again, without putting a time-frame on it. Voss learntplenty in his five years and would likely be better second time around.His reputation would bring automatic respect at a new club.
John Worsfold
After 12 seasons at the helm, Worsfold has resigned from the Eagles.His record is outstanding, winning the 2006 premiership, beingrunner-up in 2005, making the finals eight times and winning 54 per centof matches. Worsfold cited a lack of energy for not wanting tocontinue, but that shouldn't stop the Lions from making him their numberone priority. A man with a proven track record like his would appeal toboth players and fans in a congested market craving success.
As it happened: John Worsfold's Eagles exit
Mark Harvey
Harvey did an admirable job as interim Lions coach following Michael Voss' sacking, with two wins and a heartbreaking loss against Geelong. However the former Fremantle coach – with a 41 per cent winning record - said he wasn't interested in being the Lions' main man and was happy in his senior assistant role. However, with his future uncertain in Brisbane, Harvey has been linked with either a return to his former club Essendon, or one back to Perth where his family still lives. If the Eagles are looking for someone with a little experience, Harvey is right in the frame.
Peter Sumich
The bookies' early favourite to take over from Worsfold. The former Eagles spearhead and two-time premiership player had 10 years as Worsfold's assistant from 2002-2011 until switching to Fremantle last year. His two years under Ross Lyon can only have enhanced his reputation, working in a defence-first system. A true-blue Eagle, Sumich would be a popular choice.
Leigh Tudor
Tudor has emerged as a strong candidate for the Lions' job with an impeccable record as an assistant. He first learned from Mark Thompson at Geelong, taking the Cats to the 2007 VFL premiership. Tudor was then an understudy to Ross Lyon in 2010 when the Saints lost a Grand Final replay against Collingwood. He then relocated to Sydney in 2011 and was an assistant under John Longmire for the Swans' premiership in 2012. It's an imposing resume for someone looking to take a senior job.
Adam Simpson
Has earned a strong reputation as a coach-in-waiting after a stellar playing career at North Melbourne, where he captained the club. Since his retirement in 2009, he has been the midfield coach at Hawthorn. Often touted when coaching vacancies appear, he is a clear thinker and calm under pressure.
Scott Burns
The former Collingwood skipper has spent five years at the Eagles since retiring from the Magpies at the end of 2008. He was a fierce competitor at Collingwood and has earned respect for his ability to cut the chase with precise and pointed language. Would be a simple move and seamless transition if West Coast promoted him from within.
Dean Laidley
Seemed to back away from pursuing a senior coaching role last month after his name was touted in relation to Melbourne. Laidley has spent the past two seasons as a senior assistant alongside Scott Watters at St Kilda. The former North Melbourne premiership player coached the Roos for 149 games over seven seasons. He ended with a 49 percent success rate after taking the club into three finals series.
Mark Williams
Port Adelaide's 2004 premiership coach is now happily ensconced at Richmond as development coach and match-day boundary rider, and still not out of the frame for the Lions gig. Williams is managed by Alastair Lynch's company, Velocity Sports, which has strong ties to the Lions. Williams' strong desire was to coach a Melbourne-based club, but with the Demons now off-limits, he would have to move interstate for a senior role.
Neil Craig
Two disastrous years at Melbourne have damaged his brand slightly but the former Adelaide senior coach still has serious credentials to be in charge of an AFL club. Craig coached Adelaide for six completed seasons and made the finals in five of those seasons. He has twice been an interim coach, taking over as caretaker coach at Melbourne in round 12 this season. He still looms as a major player in the Lions' pursuit.
