Melbourne Demons Sack 2021 Premiership Coach Simon Goodwin
In a major shake-up, the Melbourne Football Club has officially parted ways with Simon Goodwin, the coach who led them to their long-awaited premiership in 2021. Despite still having a year left on his contract, Goodwin was informed on Monday night (August 4, 2025) that he would not continue into 2026.
Though Melbourne had not yet confirmed the move publicly, multiple reports say the decision was finalized after weeks of internal deliberation. Club president Brad Green conveyed the message personally to Goodwin, then addressed the media alongside him at the MCG the following day.
Why the decision came now
Melbourne currently sits 12th on the AFL ladder, having won just seven games in 2025, and is poised to miss finals for the second straight year.
Off-field instability, including prolonged leadership transitions, reportedly undermined Goodwin’s ability to steer the club forward effectively.
President Green explained that the club was seeking “a new voice and a new leader” to take the team onward.
Despite the poor season, Goodwin recently led the team to an 83‑point win over West Coast Eagles, a result which many say made the timing of the dismissal even more surprising.
Goodwin’s reaction & legacy
Goodwin described the news as disappointing, but not shocking, and shared that he still believes the team is closer to contention than many might assume. He also announced he won’t coach the remaining three matches of the regular season and will exit with a reported A$1 million compensation package.
Club legend Garry Lyon said he was “totally shocked” by the dismissal and emphasized that Goodwin will be remembered as “a hero” in the club’s history.
Who steps in next?
Assistant coach Troy Chaplin has been named interim coach to lead Melbourne through their final games against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and Collingwood.
A shortlist of around 22 potential successors is reportedly under consideration, including premiership‑winning coaches John Longmire, Adam Simpson, as well as Nathan Buckley, Ken Hinkley, and James Hird, among others.
Incoming CEO Paul Guerra, President Stephen Smith, and a hiring subcommittee are expected to oversee the final decision process later this year.
What it means for Melbourne
Simon Goodwin will forever be celebrated as the coach who broke a 57-year premiership drought for the Demons. Yet in a results-driven environment, the club opted to move on, with commentators calling it one of the more ruthless coach dismissals in recent AFL history.