AFL news: Simon Goodwin inks two-year contract extension with Melbourne

Simon Goodwin is set to coach Melbourne for at least the next three seasons after inking a contract extension with the club he led to a premeirship.

Simon Goodwin. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Simon Goodwin is on track to become the third longest-serving Melbourne coach in the club’s history after signing a new two-year extension, locking him into the Demons until the end of the 2026 season.

It’s a significant pre-finals boost for the Demons and a strong show of faith in the 2021 premiership coach heading into September.

Goodwin was already contracted for next season, but the Demons’ belief in their coach and his connection to the playing group resulted in the extension.

The decision comes as the club secured a third consecutive top four finish to end this year’s home-and-away season, with Goodwin and his team securing Melbourne’s first flag in 57 years in 2021 before injuries ravaged their finals campaign last season.

It’s also a huge vote of support in Goodwin from the Melbourne hierarchy, who last week came out to support their coach against allegations levelled against him as part of a court action from former Demons president Glenn Bartlett.

Simon Goodwin will become one of the longest-serving coaches in Melbourne history. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert said Goodwin’s connection to the club’s players and staff was one of his greatest strengths.

“Simon is a passionate, dedicated Melbourne person, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him leading our AFL team for the next three years,” Pert said.

“He has taken our club to great heights, but it is his focus on continual improvement that is most impressive. He is steadfast in his pursuit of delivering our members and supporters more success.

“We look forward to seeing what he and the team can achieve this season, and in the years to come.

“His care and commitment, to not only his players and coaches but the broader club, is unwavering. Since arriving in 2014, Simon has developed incredibly strong relationships and fostered a culture our people feel proud to be part of.

“He truly embodies the Demon Spirit.”

Goodwin said it was “an absolute privilege” to coach Melbourne.

“I’ve said it from the time I walked through the door; we are an incredibly proud club, with such great history, and I feel blessed to be able to do this job,” Goodwin said.

Simon Goodwin has signed for a further two years as Melbourne coach. Picture: Gary Day/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“It takes so many great people to make a football club, from players to staff, to CEO and Board, to members and supporters. It’s everyone, connected and aligned, and I’m just lucky enough to be steering the ship.”

Melbourne’s belief that its football program can contend for premierships not only this year but in the coming seasons is reflected in the long-term deals secured for its coach and its key players.

The Demons have most of their stars on long-term deals, including Clayton Oliver (2030), Christian Petracca (2029), Angus Brayshaw (2028), Kozzie Pickett (2027) and inspirational skipper Max Gawn (2025).

If Goodwin, 46, coaches out the full term of his extended deal, he would be on track to become the third longest-serving Demons coach, behind legendary figures Norm Smith (310 games) and Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes (258 games).

Sunday will be Goodwin’s 157th game as Melbourne coach - he coached Essendon as a caretaker for one game in 2013.

He is currently fifth on the Demons’ list in terms of games coached, also behind Neale Daniher (223) and John Northey (167).

Goodwin joined Melbourne as an assistant coach in 2014 before taking the reins in 2017.

The Demons board came out strongly in support of their coach last week, saying they were “unanimous and united” in their support for him, saying they “unequivocally refute the unsubstantiated, historical and outrageous accusations against Simon Goodwin and other club leaders.”