Melbourne Demons have explained the decision to sack coach Simon Goodwin was not a reflection on his ability to coach, rather the club needed a new leadership regime to move forward.
The club’s only premiership coach in the past 60 years, was sacked by the Demons, effective immediately, with assistant coach Troy Chaplin stepping into the role for the remainder of the season.
The former Adelaide champion, who led the club to the drought-breaking 2021 flag, has been let go by the Demons following just seven wins this season.
Goodwin interestingly appeared at his final press conference to address the media for the last time, and opened up on his dejection noting that the club is not as far away from the top as many people think.
“I was disappointed, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“But I respect the board’s decision, it’s their right to make that decision.
“I am disappointed because I think we are a hell of a lot closer to turning the club and team back into a contender than people think.
“I am disappointed that I am not able to work with this great bunch of players that we have spent a lot of time developing – and I am not going to be a part of that but ultimately that’s the board’s decision.”
Taking over from Paul Roos in a succession plan for the 2017 season, Goodwin led Melbourne to their first premiership in 57 years.
But off-field turmoil and dwindling performances on the field placed the 48-year-old’s job in jeopardy.
After giving up a record 46-point three-quarter-time lead to lose against St Kilda, the Demons responded last Saturday with an 83-point demolition of lowly West Coast.
But with just three games to go this season, Melbourne have made the call to part ways with Goodwin.
The decision with three games to go raised eyebrows, but Goodwin was offered the chance to coach the last three games but declined.
President Brad Green insists it was not personal, and was glowing in his reference of the now-former coach it was just about the timing.
“This (decision) was a process. It wasn’t made in a couple of days, it was a process that we have gone through with consultation with key football people in our program that has been going on for 4-5 weeks,” Green said.
“Ultimately, it’s a board decision. The board came to the decision that the right time is now.
“It was about giving Simon the respect. Once we make that decision, I think he needs to know. Last night we had come to that decsion.
“I think for our program to go forward, once you make that decision with three games to go, we are looking forward to the future.
“This is not about Simon’s coaching career. Simon can coach. Simon’s got the energy and the fight, we just believe that the club was looking for a new voice and a new leader to take this group forward.”
“It’s nothing against Simon, we think he’s a terrific coach.”
Earlier, Green wrote to club members confirming the news, and explaining the decision was made because the Board believes that a new senior coach is required to maximise the next opportunity.
“Obviously, decisions like these are never easy to come to, but ultimately, we have made this decision in the best interests of the football club,” Green wrote.
“While Simon leaves an incredible legacy, it is now time for someone else to take the reins and bring with them new energy and new ideas to revitalise our playing list and program.
“As a club we have confidence in our playing group and what it can achieve, this decision is about ensuring we maximise our potential and put the right person in place to drive us to our next AFL premiership.
“Simon will finish with the club effective immediately and assistant coach Troy Chaplin, will step in as caretaker coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. Troy has been with the club since the end of 2016 and is well equipped and ready to guide the program over the next few weeks.
“We will now commence our search for the next Senior Coach of the Melbourne Football Club. As you all know, this is a crucial appointment and one which will significantly shape the future of our club.”
The premiership-winning coach was told of the decision by the club’s board on Monday night, and The Herald Sun is reporting that Goodwin will receive a near one million dollar payout for next season and wants to continue coaching after an initial break.
The Demons take on the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday but Goodwin is not expected to be in charge of the team, with the club holding a press conference later on Tuesday to confirm plans moving forward.
Melbourne great, turned commentator, Garry Lyon was lost for words when the news broke.
“I’m stunned, shocked, totally shocked,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“I had no heads up on this whatsoever. Absolutely just shocked, I can’t get my head around it.
“He won’t be coaching a farewell game, that’s something I can promise you.”
Goodwin was contracted until the end of 2026 but his team have had a disappointing season, out of finals contention this year, having dropped to 7-13.
“I’m absolutely stunned. I thought there would be a long review at the end of this year and then determine whether he would coach out his final year,” Lyon said.
“Premiership coaches are pretty rare at the Melbourne footy club. He’s one of four.
“He will be a hero of this football club forever and a day, but that obviously doesn’t guarantee your tenure.
“This is a massive call.
“It’s pretty swift and it’s pretty brutal, but that’s the game of footy – it’s a brutal business we’re in. One of Melbourne’s only four premiership coaches has been sacked.”
There was mixed reaction on social media, with some fans believing it was the right move for the future of the club, while others were thankful for his service to the club.
Goodwin remained defiant until the end, saying he wouldn’t be “consumed by the noise” that followed the round-20 capitulation against the Saints.
“I feel incredibly supported by the board, I have for nine years,” Goodwin said last Thursday.
“We’ve been able to go through these challenges before with clarity and strength and stability to create success.”
One of the youngest premiership teams of the modern era, Melbourne began their flag defence in 2022 by winning their first 10 games of the season.
But after their stunning second-half grand final demolition of the Western Bulldogs four years ago, the Demons suffered straight-sets finals exits in 2022 and 2023.
Melbourne finished 14th last year, and are 12th with three weeks to go this season.
Two of the stars of the premiership season, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, have suffered significant and differing off-field challenges and have failed to get back to their best form.
Oliver almost left the Demons during the 2023 and 2024 trade periods, while Petracca was disgruntled at the end of last season and would have left the club had a suitor been able to organise a deal to secure him.
Long-time chief executive Gary Pert stepped away from the Demons at the end of last year, and president Kate Roffey also exited her post after bungling the situation around Petracca and Oliver.
– with AAP
