PRESIDENT Don McLardy is optimistic that Melbourne can still announce its new sponsor before the season proper.

McLardy said contingency plans had been put in place, to be implemented if the intended sponsorship agreement does not land.

“If sponsorship does become a longer term issue, then we’d be able to cope with that,” he said at Melbourne’s commencement dinner.

“We are working very hard on our front of jumper sponsor.

“We are in advanced discussions with several potential sponsors.”

McLardy acknowledged that it was a tough environment in which to land a major sponsor, but added that the club was working as hard as it could to secure a major backer.

On-field, McLardy said Melbourne would face some challenges in the next few years as the team attempts its climb up the ladder.

“It’s certainly not going to be easy in the next few years, as our performance expectations rise,” he said.