<h2>Buckley Leads Melbourne’s Final 6 Coach Hunt -&nbsp; Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>-Melbourne has narrowed their coaching search to six candidates after several high-profile names withdrew from consideration</p> <p>-Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley emerges as the frontrunner amongst the remaining contenders for Simon Goodwin's replacement</p> <p>-The Demons aim to finalise their coaching appointment by Preliminary Final weekend to maximise involvement in the upcoming trade period</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne's coaching search has intensified as the Demons settle on their final six candidates to replace Simon Goodwin following his dismissal earlier this month.</p> <p>Former Collingwood great Nathan Buckley remains the favourite to win the job, but is among a pool of highly rated assistant coaches who are pitching for their first AFL senior coaching position.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>High-Profile Names Withdraw from Demons Coaching Race</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Melbourne coaching vacancy has seen several experienced figures remove themselves from consideration, significantly shaping the final shortlist. Ken Hinkley, who recently concluded his 13-year tenure at Port Adelaide, declined involvement after being approached by the Demons hierarchy.</p> <p>Brisbane football boss Danny Daly also withdrew following discussions with Melbourne, while former Demons star Cameron Bruce opted to remain settled in his assistant coaching role at the Lions, where Brisbane is eager to extend his contract beyond 2026.</p> <p>St Kilda assistant Corey Enright has similarly removed himself from contention, choosing to continue his development at Moorabbin, where he serves as head of game plan and strategy. The highly-regarded coach, who joined the Saints in 2022, is viewed as a future senior coach but isn't pursuing the Demons opportunity at this stage of his coaching journey.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Buckley Emerges as Frontrunner</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has positioned himself as the leading candidate among those remaining in Melbourne's coaching search. The champion midfielder brings significant senior coaching experience, having guided the Magpies for a decade until 2021.</p> <p>Geelong's assistant coaching duo, Steven King and James Kelly, are understood to be strong contenders, leveraging their experience within the Cats' successful system. Western Bulldogs assistant Brendon Lade has also progressed to the next stage, bringing defensive expertise from his time at Whitten Oval.</p> <p>Hayden Skipworth, currently serving as an assistant at Collingwood, rounds out the reported shortlist. The former West Coast candidate ran close for the Eagles' senior coaching position last year and has impressed with his tactical approach at the Magpies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Demons Target Preliminary Finals Timeline</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra confirmed the club has finalised its shortlist of six candidates, with formal interviews commencing next week. The accelerated timeline reflects the Demons' strategic approach to the upcoming trade period.</p> <p>The club aims to complete the coaching appointment by preliminary finals weekend, ensuring their new mentor can be heavily involved in what shapes as a crucial trade period for Melbourne's list management. This timeline allows the incoming coach to influence player movement decisions and begin implementing their vision for the 2025 season.</p> <p>Simon Goodwin's dismissal marked the end of a nine-season tenure that included Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership triumph. The Demons become the first AFL club to change coaches this year, highlighting the pressure facing the remaining candidates to restore the club's competitiveness.</p> <p>With formal interviews set to begin, Melbourne's coaching search enters its critical phase as the six remaining candidates prepare to present their vision for returning the Demons to finals contention.</p>