The Melbourne Demons have sacked coach Simon Goodwin.
Four years after winning the Grand Final, the Demons sit 12th on the ladder, with three matches remaining in this year’s AFL season.
What happened
Goodwin was told about his sacking on Monday evening, before he and club CEO Brad Green spoke to the media on Tuesday.
Green said he had offered Goodwin the opportunity to coach the final three games of the regular season, but Goodwin chose not to.
Goodwin started as coach of the Demons in 2017 and led the club to its first premiership in 57 years in 2021. He had one year left on his contract.
The Demons finished 14th last year and currently sit in 12th, out of finals contention.
Response
Green said: “This is not about Simon’s coaching career... we just believe the club was looking for a new voice and a new leader to take this forward.”
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Goodwin said he was “disappointed,” because “we’re a hell of a lot closer to turning our club and team into a contender than people think.”
Former Demons captain Garry Lyon told radio station SEN: “I’m absolutely stunned. I thought there would be a long review at the end of this year and then determine whether he coaches out his final year.”
What's next?
The Demons have three matches remaining in the season, against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and Collingwood respectively.
All three are ranked above the Demons.
Assistant coach Troy Chaplin will replace Goodwin as the interim head coach for the rest of the season.
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