Good times ahead for Roos: Crocker

North Melbourne caretaker coach Darren Crocker is confident the 'Roos are destined
for greater things - even though he may not be the man chosen to lead them into the
2010 AFL season.
Crocker, who took over the reins when Dean Laidley stepped aside in June, is
desperate to stay on in the role beyond this season and was interviewed for the job
on Thursday.
However, the Kangaroos are expected to offer the gig to Hawthorn assistant Damien
Hardwick, while Brad Scott is also in contention after making the short list.
The Kangaroos have won just one of seven matches during Crocker's reign but the 1996
North Melbourne premiership player refused to believe he had been dealt a harsh
hand.
"I don't see it as a raw deal," Crocker said of the caretaker's position.
"There's only 16 senior coaches at any one time and fortunately for myself I'm one
of those 16 and have been for the last seven weeks.
"It's not a raw deal, it's a great opportunity and that's the way I've seen it all
the way through.
"No matter what happens in the future I know I'm going to be a hell of a lot better
for this experience."
Crocker said whoever landed the senior gig would be handed a list brimming with
potential.
"We are still in a very much developmental stage but ... I think it's going to be
exciting for whoever takes over the playing group," he said.
"I think there's some good times ahead.
"We've got a new facility that's just about to be finished.
"As a club we've reached over 30,000 members two years in a row now and there's an
emergence of some really exciting players coming through."
Crocker said he was pleased his interview was now out of the way so he could
concentrate on the final three games of the season, starting with Saturday's clash
with West Coast at Subiaco Oval.
"All my focus is straight back onto the game and again what I can do to help the
group over the next three weeks," he said.
"I've really enjoyed the role and it hasn't thrown up too many things from left
field that I hadn't expected.
"Obviously having done a fairly lengthy apprenticeship I was aware of what the role
took in so I've just really enjoyed it.
"I've got another three weeks to go in the chair and we'll see where it goes from
there."
The Roos tasted their first win under Crocker last week with a 62-point triumph over
Melbourne while the Eagles are riding high following consecutive wins over Essendon
and Western Bulldogs.