Green, incoming president Smith and Guerra will be on the interview panel for the coach alongside football manager Alan Richardson, former Essendon great Jobe Watson, Melbourne Storm’s Frank Ponissi and HR expert Meahan Callaghan.
Green quelled speculation about whether he was prepared to hand over to Smith, saying it would happen in November.
“I am staying on as a board member and director. When the AFLW season finishes I will be stepping down and Steve Smith will be stepping into the chair,” Green said.
The hunt for Windhager
Melbourne’s pursuit of Windhager is genuine, but North Melbourne also consider themselves a genuine chance after offering the durable 22-year-old a five-year deal.
The Saints upped their original offer from two to four years recently and are keen to retain him after his good friend Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera re-signed for two years just before the season finished. However, the Demons and Kangaroos’ offers are more attractive.
Melbourne are also reportedly interested in Saints ruckman Max Heath, while they are yet to re-sign Judd McVee, who has interest from other clubs, and free agent and premiership forward Charlie Spargo.
The coaching appointment is also likely to play a key role in the future of contracted midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, who expressed an interest in being traded towards the end of last season.
Marcus Windhager kicks the Saints forward.Credit: Getty Images
The Demons’ business plan for building a new home base at Caulfield Racecourse is progressing well. Two competition and one racing source, who preferred to stay anonymous, said relevant parties were aligned for the first time.
A key meeting between Melbourne and other key parties was postponed recently due to unforeseen circumstances unrelated to Caulfield, but that meeting is expected to happen soon.
The club is aware it needs government support and funding as it continues towards completing its business case for the project.
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