Simon Goodwin has resigned as Melbourne Football Club senior coach. Club president Brad Green and Goodwin addressed a press conference at the MCG. They reinforced themes of respect, leadership change, and direction ahead.
Brad Green confirmed that this decision had been made only one day before the announcement. Brad informed Goodwin after the board had reached this conclusion.
“It is about leadership change. It is not about performance. Simon is more than capable of doing this job; it is about somebody else with a different voice that can lead this team into the future,” said Green.
Goodwin exits with dignity as Demons eye future leadership.
Why won’t Goodwin finish the 2025 season?
Simon said he accepted the board’s decision with grace and dignity and would still do everything he could for the success of the club.
Simon rejected the offer to coach the rest of the matches for the 2025 season. He felt that by standing down, clarity would be provided.
The club needed “clear air,” said Goodwin, his continued presence becoming a potential distraction. He put aside his emotions and put the team’s clarity first.
Being selfless and team-oriented, Goodwin believed this would allow the players to focus wholly on improving their performance.
How did players and leaders react?
Green described the playing group as disappointed and emotional. Goodwin shared that he genuinely connected with many of the players, especially Max Gawn, the captain.
He reminisced on messages from different players after hearing fair news, noting how heartfelt and appreciated they were. He reflected on some personal stories, including experiences such as handing out lollies to Gawn after wins. These instances represent emotions tied to experiences forged in time.
Building from the bottom up
When he arrived in Melbourne, the club was ranked on the lower end of the AFL ladder. He recalled critics doubting the side early on.
After the setbacks, Goodwin saw potential in the group, giving credit to Todd Viney, Josh Mahoney, and Peter Jackson for the structural support they laid down.
Together, they rebuilt Melbourne for a 2021 premiership win, its first in 57 years. Player development into men was more important to Goodwin than scoreboard results.
Simon Goodwin and Brad Green front the media at the MCG following Goodwin’s resignation as Melbourne coach.
No regrets after nine years
He considered Melbourne his life’s work and, for nine seasons, established a legacy that will live forever. He held no regrets, thanking his coaches, players, staff, and supporters; he described his role there as an honour.
Green agreed and further thanked Goodwin, Kris, and their family for their contribution to the club. Respect marked the tone of the conference. The gratitude was mutual and deeply felt.
What’s next for Melbourne?
Troy Chaplin has been named acting senior coach for the rest of 2025. The team sits 12th on the ladder at the moment.
At 7-11, Melbourne stands little chance at a finals berth, and the club felt it necessary to instigate a change in leadership despite the recent win.
Green said the process for a formal coaching search will start next week, with a selection panel guiding the proceedings.
He leaves after coaching 203 games at Melbourne, a figure surpassed by only three others in the club’s history. He coached the club to its 2021 AFL premiership and several top-four finishes.
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A dignified farewell and a new chapter
The farewell of Simon Goodwin was filled with humility and honesty. His legacy goes full circle from early struggles to premiership glory.
Brad Green emphasised that the decision was professional. It came from a belief that a fresh voice was now required.
For Goodwin, coaching meant a lot more than just game plans. It meant relationships, values, and team culture.
He exits from the club in pride and gratitude: the record and his impingement speak for themselves.
The Demons now prepare for the next chapter under Chaplin’s stewardship. On the pathway paved by Goodwin, that shall proceed.
