AFL 2024: Retired Melbourne premiership player Michael Hibberd backs Simon Goodwin, Demons culture

Premiership defender Michael Hibberd has leapt to the defence of his former coach and teammates amid swirling questions about the culture at Melbourne.

Retired premiership defender Michael Hibberd has leapt to the defence of his former Melbourne teammates after an intense off-season of scrutiny.

The Demons have endured a turbulent summer, with Clayton Oliver spending a portion of the pre-season training away from the group and Joel Smith facing drug trafficking allegations from Sports Integrity Australia, while there is speculation abound about the club’s culture and leadership.

Michael Hibberd and Simon Goodwin last year. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images\

However Hibberd, who played in Melbourne’s stunning 2021 premiership side and retired at the end of the 2023 season, suggested his “close friend” in coach Simon Goodwin was the man for the job.

“I actually got lunch with him (Goodwin) the other weekend, he’s a close friend of mine and he’s always been a great mentor and a leader that I respect,” he said.

“If there’s anyone that’s the perfect man for the job with Melbourne and all the things going on, he’s the man. I’ll back him in and back in the boys to start the season well.

“I’ve got no issues with the culture there, it’s a strong culture, led by a great coach and a good captain and leadership group.

“Sometimes things happen, it’s how they’re going to bounce back is how you should judge them this year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”

Clayton Oliver playing for Melbourne in the VFL practice match. Picture: David Crosling

Hibberd said he had remained close with fellow premiership defender Angus Brayshaw, who announced his medical retirement last week.

The 28-year-old was forced into an early retirement following a spate of concussions over his career, with his final playing act on a football field the now-infamous clash with Brayden Maynard.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what happened to Gus, I caught up with him the other night,” Hibberd said.

“The club is going through a bit at the moment, knowing them they’ll rally together.

I’ve got no doubt that they’ll perform well and do it for Gus.”

Hibberd in his new threads. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Hibberd, who has signed with Port Melbourne Colts for the 2024 season, said local footy fans could expect to see him streaming out of the goalsquare this year.

“I think I’ll play in the midfield, in the forward line a bit,” he said.

“Most kids at junior level play forward at some point, so it’ll be good to end up back down there.

“I’ve spent plenty of time in defence in my career, it’ll be good to play somewhere else.”