AFL Coach Learns of Termination in Five-Word Phone Call, Followed by Subtle Jab Toward Club Masked as a Humorous Remark
Melbourne Demons Part Ways with Coach Simon Goodwin
After a disappointing season, the Melbourne Demons have decided to part ways with head coach Simon Goodwin. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances, including failing to make the finals for another season, despite having a talented list[1][3].
Goodwin, who won a premiership with the Demons in 2021, fronted the media on Tuesday at the MCG after his sacking. He expressed his disappointment, saying he believed the team was closer to becoming a strong contender than people thought and lamented not being able to continue working with the players he helped develop[1].
The club representatives who delivered the news to Goodwin included head of football Alan Richardson, interim chief executive David Chippindall, and board member Angela Williams. The sacking was carried out at Goodwin's home by Brad Green, the club's president, along with other club representatives[7].
In a humorous remark, Goodwin joked about missing the players but not the long commute to Casey Fields for training sessions[2]. Troy Chaplin, the assistant Melbourne coach, will step in as caretaker coach for the remainder of this season. The Demons will face the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and Collingwood in upcoming fixtures with Chaplin at the helm[8].
The Demons' culture has been under scrutiny, with senior players reportedly doing whatever they want. The club's current position, with 12th spot in the AFL, reflects the struggles they have faced this season[4].
Goodwin's next team, if he moves to Sydney, has not been confirmed. The AFL is a results-oriented business, and other clubs, such as West Coast, Richmond, and North Melbourne, are in far worse positions than the Demons[6].
Despite Goodwin's success as a player, winning premierships with the Adelaide Crows in 1997 and 1998, his game style was deemed ineffective for the current year (2025)[5]. Kane Cornes, a polarizing commentator, criticized Goodwin for not evolving the team's game style and for the team's game styles being stuck in 2015[5]. However, specific comments or reactions from Cornes about Goodwin’s sacking were not found in the provided search results.
[1] Melbourne Demons sack Simon Goodwin: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-04/melbourne-demons-sack-simon-goodwin/101296686 [2] Simon Goodwin's humorous remark: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-football-club-sacks-coach-simon-goodwin-amid-team-culture-crisis-20220804-p5bj9k.html [3] Melbourne Demons need a new voice: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-04/melbourne-demons-need-a-new-voice-after-sacking-simon-goodwin/101296686 [4] Melbourne Demons' culture a mess: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-football-club-sacks-coach-simon-goodwin-amid-team-culture-crisis-20220804-p5bj9k.html [5] Kane Cornes criticizes Simon Goodwin: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/kane-cornes-slams-simon-goodwin-for-not-evolving-demons-20220803-p5bj6h.html [6] Other clubs in worse positions: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-football-club-sacks-coach-simon-goodwin-amid-team-culture-crisis-20220804-p5bj9k.html [7] Delivery of sacking: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-football-club-sacks-coach-simon-goodwin-amid-team-culture-crisis-20220804-p5bj9k.html [8] Upcoming fixtures: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-football-club-sacks-coach-simon-goodwin-amid-team-culture-crisis-20220804-p5bj9k.html
- Amidst the ongoing AFL season, football fans eagerly await sports analysis videos to dissect and discuss the Melbourne Demons' decision to part ways with head coach Simon Goodwin, following their disappointing performances.
- The Demons' departure from Goodwin, who led the team to a premiership in 2021, sets business opportunities for other American football and NFL teams looking for new coaching talent.
- In light of Goodwin's sacking, sports reporters and news outlets have been churning out articles related to the struggle of Melbourne's football team, with their current 12th spot in the AFL league.
- After the sacking news, online sports channels and platforms might publish interviews of Goodwin, discussing his plans for the future, potential interest in coaching other sports teams, and his thoughts on the lack of evolution in football game styles over the years.
