Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has gone in to bat for Simon Goodwin and distanced himself from the under-fire Melbourne mentor's job.
Beveridge, who is out of contract this year, is no certainty to continue at the Bulldogs beyond this season and has been linked with a switch to Melbourne.
But the 54-year-old is adamant that move is not going to eventuate.
"I don't know where it's come from, but ultimately our players and people that I work with understand and know that I'm totally invested here," Beveridge said on Thursday.
"We went into the year just feeling our way through and understanding that we've got to find what's right for everyone.
"On a personal note, you don't stay where you're not welcome. From a club perspective, they've got more to consider than just my personal interests.
"And ultimately if I'm not coaching here next year, I won't be coaching anywhere else."
Beveridge added he has not spoken to anyone at Melbourne who is involved in decision-making around their coaching situation.
The 2016 premiership mentor is the Bulldogs' longest-serving coach, with 235 games over 11 seasons.
"The agreement between myself and the club to enter the season just feeling our way through what's going to be right for the club and me, that prevails," Beveridge said.
"We haven't had any formal talks about a new contract or anything like that. That's something that hasn't been discussed at this stage."
Goodwin, the 2021 premiership coach, has come under an intense spotlight as a result of the Demons' horror 0-5 start to 2025.
The Dees' scoring woes have been a major contributor to the string of losses, with only last-placed West Coast averaging lower tallies this season.
Another defeat to Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday could be catastrophic for Goodwin, but Beveridge said his counterpart simply needs time.
"Simon has achieved a lot at the Demons and they'll evolve and come again," Beveridge said.
"They're going through a period of change, but he's an outstanding coach and he's an outstanding person.
"They've got some kids coming through and they've been stiff with an injury or two.
"They'll find a way through their scoring as they evolve, but I've got no doubt they just need a bit of patience.
"Teams and clubs go through these periods where they need to be strong and they need to back their people in.
"And why wouldn't you back Simon Goodwin in? He's got a terrific track record and I believe that they'll come good."
