‘I got shafted’: Simon Goodwin reveals awkward AFL Grand Final snub

Simon Goodwin has revealed what went wrong as a Channel 7 presenter came under fire for overlooking him at the AFL Grand Final.

Did Basil cook the ceremony? Photo: Fox Sports

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has spoken out after Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas came under fire for an awkward oversight during the post-match presentation at Saturday night’s AFL Grand Final.

Melbourne ended its 57-year premiership drought by thrashing the Western Bulldogs and it was party time for everyone associated with the Demons.

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Captain Max Gawn gave a classy post-match speech immediately after the final siren and was just as gracious when stepping onto the dais to receive his premiership medal, thanking the Dogs, his teammates, fans and the AFL for steering the ship through another season plagued by Covid complications.

Dees fans were then left waiting to hear from Goodwin, who has been instrumental in guiding the team to the ultimate glory after so many years of pain. He walked onto the stage to receive his medal from West Coast premiership-winning mentor John Worsfold, embraced Gawn and then looked like he was starting to make his way to the microphone to give a shout-out of his own.

But before Goodwin could say his piece, Zempilas continued. “We now have great pleasure in inviting a legend of the Melbourne Football Club, Garry Lyon, to present the premiership cup to captain Max Gawn and coach Simon Goodwin,” he said.

Lyon handed over the silverware and Gawn and Goodwin held the trophy aloft before being mobbed by the rest of the players.

Some fans on social media questioned if Zempilas butchered the presentation by not giving Goodwin the chance to speak — as is customary for the winning team’s coach after a Grand Final.

It’s party time for Demons fans. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

High-profile former footy star Brendan Fevola was among those to criticise Goodwin’s missed opportunity as others on social media also weighed in.

“Why didn’t Goodwin give a speech? Basil cooked that,” Fevola tweeted.

Radio presenter Sam Wilkinson wrote: “Did Basil forget to let Simon Goodwin say a few words?”

Paige Cardona added: “I just realised @BasilZempilas didn’t ask Simon Goodwin to speak.”

There were plenty more questioning why Zempilas continued talking before Goodwin could speak as the criticism on Twitter piled up.

Speaking on the Sunday Footy Show, Goodwin revealed he had a speech prepared but was given the cold shoulder.

“I got shafted, didn’t I?” Goodwin said. “I didn’t know what happened there, I had it all ready to go, I had the cheat notes and a few sponsors to single out.

“I just would’ve said to the supporters and everyone at home, this is us, this is who we are, and they should be so proud.

“Hopefully all the supporters back home are enjoying it, I know they’re in lockdown but speaking to a few I know they’re sinking a few beers.”

The awkward incident comes after Zempilas divided footy fans around Australia with his pre-match suggestion the 60,000 strong crowd at Optus Stadium should stand and applaud late in the third quarter in recognition of those in other states doing it tough in lockdown.

The gesture went down like a lead balloon when it was floated on Friday, as punters called it out for being cringe-worthy.

Originally published as ‘I got shafted’: Simon Goodwin reveals awkward AFL Grand Final snub