MELBOURNE has received some outstanding news on Monday, with Paul Roos committing to the club for a third year, meaning he will coach the Demons until the end of the 2016 season.
Roos, who was appointed Melbourne coach on September 6 last year, initially agreed to a two-year deal, with an option for a third season.
But following Melbourne’s second bye, and in the lead-up to its round 19 clash against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, Roos told the club he would take up his third year.
The news will be a welcome relief for everyone who bleeds red and blue, given the significant improvement he has overseen at the club this year.
Roos inherited a team that had won just two matches in 2013 – statistically it was Melbourne’s fifth worse season in VFL/AFL history since 1897.
The team also had a percentage of 54.1 last year.
Roos said his immediate goal was to lift that percentage, which has improved to 73 so far in 2014.
The Demons have also won four matches and been competitive in most matches this season, dropping six by 20 points or fewer.
It’s a far better scenario than 2013, when the Dees lost 12 matches by 10 goals or more.
The 2005 Sydney Swans premiership coach and 356-game player with Fitzroy and the Swans remains one of the biggest names in the game.