Former Melbourne Demons president Glen Bartlett launches defamation case against Nine

Former Melbourne Demons president Glen Bartlett is suing Nine Entertainment for defamation over a series of articles written by Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall.

Glen Bartlett has launched a bombshell defamation case against several AFL journalists from The Age and Nine Entertainment.

The former president of Melbourne Glen Bartlett has launched a bombshell defamation case against several AFL journalists from The Age and Nine Entertainment.

Mr Bartlett, who was the head of the Demons’ board until his departure last year, is suing Caroline Wilson, The Age’s chief AFL writer Jake Niall and their employer over a series of articles published about the club’s change of off-field leadership, The West Australian reports.

The potential legal showdown is expected to have serious ramifications for the Dees, with a defamation trial likely to include reveal what happened behind the scenes at the club.

three articles, published in May and September of last year, and February this year, are referenced in the defamation writ, which claims the articles are defamatory and worthy of damages, including aggravated compensatory damages and special damages.

The articles suggest there was tension between Bartlett, other members of the Melbourne board and coach Simon Goodwin.

Glen Bartlett embraces Simon Goodwin in 2018.

They also said the tension led to Bartlett stepping down suddenly in April 2021,  and departed the Melbourne board altogether last November.  .

His departure came after the Herald Sun revealed leaked documents that showed Goodwin was being investigated on the eve of the 2021 premiership season over claims of serious behavioural issues and bullying.

It is understood top Perth defamation lawyer Jason MacLaurin SC has been briefed on the case.

When contacted by The West Australian, Mr Bartlett said he could not comment now the matter was before the courts.