I'm not saying Ayres is a good choice. I'm just saying I'm 99% sure he'd take it if offered. For one Ayres could instill some discipline upon the squibs at Melbourne - something Knights is too much of a squib to do. I don't think Melbourne's next coach should or needs to be the best tactician and on field coach. They need to be able to - Develop the players - Lead - Instil stern discipline - Resurrect the culture of the club - Be a wise head regarding list management all before being the best on field coach. Melbourne realistically won't be challenging for 5-6 years at best. this next coach is very unlikely to be the coach that brings them success - he's the coach that resurrects the club from both within and externally (i.e. image) Now Ayres falls down on the development area and probably list management. But he's stern and disciplined enough to work on the image and culture.
You're all assuming Ayers is frothing at the mouth to coach AFL football at any costs. I don't believe he is. If he was, I believe he would be coaching already.
Any number of reasons, really. I'd put my money on the fact that Ayres wasn't offered the job, wasn't seriously considered for the position, and that Melbourne decided that Neeld was the best man for the job at the time.
I think they're too far in the ditch for him to help. Helped the Hawks become extremely successful off the field.
Didn't have an easy job, came in at a tough time with the troubles of Jim Stynes and had to deal with a lot throughout the years. Thanks for the efforts Don.
News coming in now that Opel are closing down in Australia, so we are going to lose them as a sponsor. Beyond Blue could be a good choice for our next one.