AFL boss Gillon McLachlan was briefed on allegations around Simon Goodwin

AFL supremo Gillon McLachlan told a meeting of Melbourne Demons officials that the alleged behaviour of coach Simon Goodwin was “crazy.”

AFL supremo Gillon McLachlan described Simon Goodwin’s decision to drink and gamble with players as “crazy” in a crisis meeting about the coach’s behaviour.

During an online meeting on the eve of the club’s 2021 premiership season, McLachlan and league commission chairman Richard Goyder were briefed on allegations Goodwin had some serious issues.

The league chief executive and Goyder held talks with then Demons president Glen Bartlett and club director Mohan Jesudason on Tuesday, February 2.

McLachlan and Goyder were told two senior national business figures had recently contacted the club with information about Goodwin’s ­behaviour.

Bartlett said he was sick of receiving phone calls about Goodwin’s behaviour from people he trusted, not just in Melbourne but also in Adelaide and Sydney.

McLachlan acknowledged during the meeting he had passed on information to Demons chief executive Gary Pert in late 2020 relating to alleged drinking and gambling by Goodwin at the Sorrento Hotel.

Gillon McLachlan was critical of Simon Goodwin’s behaviour. Picture: Getty Images

“I know for a fact your coach is out drinking with players at the Sorrento pub – are you crazy? That doesn’t work,” McLachlan said.

“Hanging out with his players, drinking and betting – just the wrong behaviour. There has to be enough distance. You need to respect him and like him, don’t have to love him, but respect him. You can’t be doing that s--t. You have to make tough decisions. It doesn’t work.”

On February 10, Bartlett, accompanied by Pert, confronted Goodwin at the club’s Casey training base where the coach was informed of the allegations levelled against him, including workplace bullying, gambling, drinking and other issues.

Goodwin said Sorrento Hotel was his place to relax but flatly denied any significant behavioural problems.

The AFL did not comment last night.