Roos will guide the Demons on the field for at least the next two years, with an option for a third. Those close to the coaching discussions said there has been consideration for Roos to then accept a paid role off the field, possibly involving a seat on the board.

The Demons and Roos are keen to continue their relationship once the Swans premiership mentor leaves coaching and hands power to a preordained senior assistant.

Cameron Ling has emerged as the man at the top of the Demons' list. The Geelong star retired in 2011 and is keen to coach. But he believes four years is the maximum break a retired player who wants to coach can take from the game.

''I am really enjoying what I am doing. I am really keen to keep doing another year of working at Channel Seven and 3AW,'' Ling said on Saturday. ''I think more and more now I do want to coach at some stage, but I need that to be the right stage. Coaching is so consuming, you need to be up for it, you need to put in whatever it takes hours wise, effort wise and my personality is exactly that. I will do whatever is needed to be done.''

Hawthorn assistant Adam Simpson will also feature on the Demons' shortlist.

Roos says one reason why he accepted the Melbourne role was because it became apparent his time as Swans' academy coach was over.

Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said Roos had been offered another contract. Ireland said the Demons ''couldn't have asked for a better appointment''.