AFL news: Gillon McLachlan weighs in on Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin

The AFL is “comfortable” Melbourne appropriately dealt with allegations over Simon Goodwin’s behaviour and says the club would help out with any WorkSafe Victoria investigation.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan speaks to the media. Picture: Getty Images

The AFL says it is “comfortable” Melbourne appropriately dealt with accusations over Simon Goodwin’s behaviour in a week the Demons handed him a new two-year contract extension.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Melbourne would help out with any WorkSafe Victoria investigation as Goodwin labelled the claims as “absolute rubbish”.

McLachlan was caught up in the furore at one stage as part of a series of claims from former Melbourne president Glen Bartlett, who said the AFL chief executive “abandoned” him over his complaints about Goodwin’s behaviour.

But McLachlan said on 3AW on Friday there was no active AFL investigation, with the Bartlett allegations handled by the Demons.

Goodwin has repeatedly denied having any behavioural issues.

“There was an internal investigation by the club after the allegations. Broad-based allegations were made. They were made through different channels. Gary Pert led an internal investigation. I feel comfortable with the action the Melbourne senior executive took,” McLachlan said.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has labelled claims against his as “absolute rubbish”. Picture: Getty Images

“All I would say is that there were allegations and rumours which we encouraged Melbourne to investigate. Gary Pert looked into that and there was found that nothing could be substantiated. I don’t think there is anything to work on specifically.

“(WorkSafe) will do their bit. I don’t have any substantive information at the moment. If (WorkSafe) come up with something we would respond to that.”

McLachlan refused to confirm a 3AW report from broadcast Ross Stevenson that rock group Kiss would perform in the pre-match Grand Final slot.

Gillon McLachlan said Melbourne would help out with any WorkSafe Victoria investigation into Simon Goodwin. Picture: Getty Images

Stevenson is rarely wrong about his Grand Final entertainment predictions given his close ties to senior AFL figures, but McLachlan said the announcement would be made in the first week of finals.

“There are multiple options we are considering. I am sure they would all be good. There are lots of good bands. It will be announced in the first week of finals. The decision has been made. There was a big field and I don’t know if contracts have been signed and there are a few logistics to be worked through so we will do the announcement properly.”