THE AFL will support Melbourne's multi-million dollar bid for Paul Roos even if it makes him the highest-paid coach in football.

The Sydney premiership coach (right) again refused to rule himself out yesterday.



Industry sources said the Demons would need to pay him more than $1 million a season, which would be bankrolled in part by the AFL.



Melbourne's new five-man coaching selection committee will meet for the first time today.



The panel, chaired by new chief executive Peter Jackson, also includes football staff Todd Viney and Josh Mahoney, board member Greg Healy and coaching legend and AFL Coaches Association president David Parkin.



Roos said he could not categorically rule himself out.



"I said to Peter (Jackson) exactly what I have said, at the moment it's not something I'm entertaining," Roos said.



"Everyone's hanging on the 'at the moment'."



"But if that changes in a week or a month or a year - I'm not trying to play games - but if that changes in a month, I'll be happy to tell people. If it changes in two months, I'll be happy to tell people."



"At the moment it hasn't changed."



Asked if he could be ruled out 100 per cent, Roos said: "I can't dictate how people write it, but if you said to me: 'Am I interested in coaching', I'd say no. But I can only answer that question when you ask me that question."



Sylvia keen to remain a Demon



The AFL Commission will meet on Monday to consider Jackson's bail-out package for the club, believed to be about $2.7 million.



The AFL has assumed effective control of the club and would hold power of veto over the coaching position, but is a supporter of Roos and would back a sizeable contract - within reasonable limits.



It has given Melbourne an understanding it would effectively become the club's banker, but is yet to officially tick off on the scope of Jackson's rebuilding package.



It is well known within AFL headquarters Jackson wants a senior candidate who would cost more than a first-year coach, and it is prepared to support him as long as he is financially responsible.



AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will return from an overseas holiday in time for the commission meeting.



The fact Melbourne has appointed a coaching sub-committee despite its determination to secure Roos shows he is far from over the line.



AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan would not discuss Melbourne's situation yesterday other than to say: "Peter is a very experienced CEO who is making strong decisions and he does so with our support."



Collingwood senior assistant Rodney Eade is still yet to be approached, with his manager Phil Mullen saying yesterday he was happy at the Pies.



"No, there has been no contact at all. He has got a role there at Collingwood, and they are on a roll, so to speak. He is really enjoying it there."



Melbourne sacked its coach Mark Neeld and chief executive Cameron Schwab this year, with president Don McLardy also stepping down.



Board members Guy Jelland, Karen Hayes, Stuart Grimshaw and McLardy are gone, with the AFL recently confirming it would have a strong say in the make-up of the new board as well as replacement president.