Outgoing Fremantle chief executive Cameron Schwab has refused to explicitly deny he could be a contender for the vacant CEO position at Melbourne.
Speaking at the announcement of the appointment of Steve Rosich as the new CEO of the Dockers on Thursday, Schwab said he wasn't surprised to be linked with the Melbourne role following Paul McNamee's sacking on Wednesday, but that he had given 'no consideration' to returning to the post he occupied from 1997 to 1999.
But when asked whether he could categorically rule it out, Schwab remained coy.
"The obvious question, is it a yes no answer, I'm saying it's not a consideration for me," said Schwab.
"So therefore, in saying that, I'm saying it's nothing that I'm actually seeking or wanting to do, I'm looking at doing something different."
Schwab said it was completely coincidental that he was seen speaking to new Melbourne President Jim Stynes on Sunday during Fremantle's 46-point victory over the Demons, saying he was not involved whatsoever in the subsequent sacking of McNamee three days later.
"Yes, it is a remarkable set of circumstances ... but they are circumstances outside my doing," said Schwab.
"The fact that other clubs have made choices and decisions and my name has been mentioned as part of that process has nothing to do with me and that's all that's happened so far."
"I had no control over what happened at the Melbourne Football Club yesterday and I understand why my name gets mentioned as part of it all, there's been some joining of the dots taking place, but that's had nothing to do with me."
"My view as to what I do next is still very much the same. I'm looking forward to going back to Melbourne for the reasons I made the original call and that's to be closer to my family, particular my son, and I'm going to take some time out and I'm going to really weigh up what the next phase of life (will be)."
The 44-year-old will finish up at Fremantle after the derby clash with West Coast in 10 days time and will head back to Melbourne then. However, he is still under contract at Fremantle until October 31, with club chairman Rick Hart saying Schwab could still be asked to do special projects for the Dockers over in Victoria, albeit ones not directly related to the club's new strategic direction under Rosich.
Schwab also said he had some regrets regarding his tenure at the Dockers after taking over in 2001, saying he probably wouldn't have traded players as heavily if he had his time again.
But he also defended these trades, adding that many of them added excitement around the club that was necessary in order to build membership numbers and corporate sponsors.
Hart also praised Schwab's efforts, saying he had turned the club's finances around, having overseen the repayment of an $8 million debt and the subsequent development to a 40,000-plus membership base.