‘A massive call’: AFL premiership coach Simon Goodwin sacked by Melbourne Demons

Simon Goodwin, Melbourne’s only premiership coach in the past 60 years, has been sacked by the Demons. The former Adelaide champion, who led the club to the drought-breaking 2021 flag, was let go following just seven wins this season, with Troy Chaplin confirmed as the interim replacement.

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.

President Brad Green said the board made the decision on Monday night but it had been considering Goodwin’s position over a number of weeks. “We just believed that the club was looking for a new voice and a new leader to take this group forward,” he said.

While the pressure on Goodwin had been building for some time, the timing of his axing was ultimately a surprise. The Demons outclassed West Coast by 83 points on Saturday and Goodwin was optimistic when speaking to the media afterwards.

“I’ve got a clear plan, I’m well supported by the board in terms of where we’re heading and what we’re trying to achieve, and they also understand that sometimes when you’re building something, that challenge will occur and what happens is you ride the challenge, you have clarity, and you keep building,” he said.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Goodwin admitted he “got that wrong”, and while he was disappointed he accepted the board’s decision. “We stayed up there in the top four for a couple of years post [premiership], which is a really tough thing to do,” he said. “And right now we’re in a little transition phase and I certainly believe that we’re a hell of a lot closer than what people think.”

The club is currently being overseen by interim chief executive David Chippindall before Paul Guerra, the current CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, takes over next month.

Green said Goodwin should be “incredibly proud of what he’s achieved at the Melbourne Football Club”.

“To take a group of players and help shape them into a premiership team is something only four other AFL coaches have achieved within the history of the club,” Green said in a statement.

“He has given absolutely everything, not just as a coach, but as a person and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the red and blue.”

Goodwin said rather than wait out the season he made the call to step down immediately. “It’s just to give the players the clear air,” he said. “I talk to our players about the team first mentality and no one’s bigger than the club or bigger than the team, and it just gives them a pathway forward to finish the year really strongly.”

Former Demons captain Garry Lyon said he was “absolutely stunned” by the board’s decision.

“I thought that there would be a long review at the end of this year and then determine whether he coached out his final year [of his contract],” he told radio station SEN.

“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, and this is a massive call.”

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Goodwin has been a target of online vitriol in recent weeks, including an apparent death threat, and the AFL provided additional security at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

He has been the club’s most prominent voice during a period since the 2021 flag in which the Demons have been drawn into repeated controversy.

Former Demons club doctor Zeeshan Arain alleged last year players had been pulled from selection to protect them from possible drug testing on game day that would see them suspended.

Defender Joel Smith received a four-year ban for returning a positive test for cocaine in 2023.

Star midfielder Clayton Oliver has faced personal struggles and has struggled to recapture his premiership form, although that is an allegation that could be levelled at much of the Demons’ side during the period.

The club finished fourth in 2023, but dropped to 14th the following year to miss the finals for the first time since 2020.

Melbourne currently sit 12th on the ladder, but are out of finals contention. The club has called a press conference for Tuesday afternoon.

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