Shane Crawford: Demons coach Mark Neeld must exit before out-of-contract players abandon club Time to go? Demons coach Mark Neeld addresses his players at a three-quarter time huddle. EMBATTLED Melbourne coach Mark Neeld needs to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the club does not lose some of its out-of-contract players for next season, according to Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford. Speaking before the Demons' clash with Hawthorn at the MCG today, and a looming board meeting that could have serious ramifications tomorrow night, Crawford sympathised with Neeld. But he insisted urgent change was required for a team bereft of confidence with only five wins from Neeld's 31 games - and only one this season. "You can't help but feel sympathy for Mark Neeld - it's undoubtedly been tough for him and his family and friends," Crawford said. The simple fact is the team has gone backwards over the past season and a half, and if the club sticks with him, it runs the risk of losing even more ground. Crawford said Neeld had failed as a people manager. That's why he believes the change should be made after today's game, so the club can hold on to any potentially disgruntled players who might be seeking a new home for 2014. Rival clubs are circling with a list of players up for trade or free agency, including Jack Watts, James Frawley and Colin Sylvia. I fell out of love with Hawthorn, too, there for a while and looked at leaving. But the club made changes - and while I didn't initially support them all - they changed the mindset of people at the club. That's why Melbourne needs to make the change now and chase the best and most experienced coach it can find.