Track Watch: Isaac Heeney praises addition of ex-Dees coach Simon Goodwin
Swans star Isaac Heeney has praised Simon Goodwin’s immediate impact, describing the premiership-winning coach's knowledge and communication as “second to none.”
Swans star Isaac Heeney has sung the praises of premiership-winning coach Simon Goodwin after he joined Sydney’s backroom staff this season.
Goodwin was axed from the Demons earlier this year after nine seasons in charge, with the clear highlight being Melbourne’s 2021 premiership campaign.
After taking some time out of the game to assess his options, Goodwin opted to join Sydney in the newly created role, director of coaching and performance.
He was one of several additions to the Swans’ coaching ranks, including new forwards coach Jeremy Laidler and VFL coach Nick Malceski.
The two former Swans are set to provide invaluable assistance to Dean Cox after his coaching team was left undermanned following the late departure of John Longmire before the 2025 season.
Rather than adding coaches for the sake of it, Cox was happy to take some time to ensure he was recruiting the right people.
But Goodwin’s appointment is a major signal of intent of how the Swans are giving Cox all the tools to succeed. He is one of three former AFL head coaches, along with Longmire and head of football Leon Cameron, who remain in the four walls at the club. Longmire’s role is not football-related, but is close by if needed.
Goodwin linked up with the Swans for the first time this week and spent time getting to know the players during their community camp in Newcastle. While the 48-year-old will be an observer at training for the most part, Heeney has still been struck by Goodwin’s presence around the group.
“Coxy was probably one or two coaches down over the last year, and there was a massive load on him,” Heeney said.
“So now, for this pre-season leading into next season, with two extra coaches, Laids coming from the Giants as well, and then Goody, the knowledge and the way that they communicate is second to none.
“When they do speak, it inspires you, which is something you want as a coach. A premiership-winning coach is something you don’t see much of, so to have him under Coxy, and his knowledge, especially in attack, is second to none.
“It’s exciting, and he’s an amazing fella too.”
Goodwin won’t start full-time in his role until next year, but he is eager to help Cox in any capacity ahead of his second season as a head coach.
TRAINING THE HOUSE DOWN
December is the perfect time for the pre-season cliches, and key forward Logan McDonald is ticking all of the boxes as he pushes for a return to the footy field.
McDonald missed the entire 2025 AFL campaign through an ankle injury, but a cautious approach at the back end of the year has the 23-year-old firing on all cylinders.
While he has bulked up slightly, it’s his speed and agility that are most noticeable in the early stages. And if he can build up his body of work before March, there’s no reason he won’t be lining up in the forward line alongside new recruit Charlie Curnow.
INJURY UPDATE
The Swans’ relatively clean bill of health has taken a couple of hits in recent weeks.
Skipper Callum Mills is on a modified program after injuring his hamstring, but during Wednesday’s session, he was put through some movement drills and moved freely as he continues to build up his strength.
The other concern is draftee Billy Cootee. The reigning Norwood B&F winner was a surprise selection in last month’s draft at pick 42.
While Cootee trained during his first week at the club, the 22-year-old was on crutches during Wednesday’s session in Newcastle. He is dealing with hip soreness and is scheduled to undergo scans later in the week to figure out the issue.
However, he and Mills ensured they were still working on their ball skills, dragging Brett Kirk into a handball drill while Cootee was sitting on a chair.
Originally published as Track Watch: Isaac Heeney praises addition of ex-Dees coach Simon Goodwin
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