Melbourne Demons news: Simon Goodwin closing in on new deal | Neale Daniher inducted into hall of fame
A bumper new deal looms for Simon Goodwin after ending Melbourne’s premiership drought. The club has spoken out about where things stand.
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Melbourne expects to have a new long-term deal for premiership coach Simon Goodwin locked away before its flag defence starts against Western Bulldogs in Round 1 next season.
While Demons chief executive Gary Pert did not wish to go into detail about ongoing discussions with Goodwin and his management, he said a new deal was likely to be in place before the March 14 kick-off to the 2022 season.
Goodwin comes out of contract at the end of the next season, but he can expect a bumper new deal after helping to unlock Melbourne’s 57-year flag drought with a remarkable 2021 grand final win over the Bulldogs.
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“Based on the conversations (already had), I would expect we would put it (a new contract) to bed before the season starts,” Pert said.
“We have had a fair bit on our plates since the grand final.
“At the end of last year there was an (external) question mark on ‘Goody’ as a coach and Max (Gawn) as a captain, and on the club as a whole in its ability to play in finals and rise to the occasion.”
Goodwin, who became the club’s first premiership coach since the legendary Norm Smith, was voted the AFL’s Coach of the Year and Gawn was named as All-Australian captain.
Next year will be Goodwin’s sixth season as Melbourne coach, having taken over in a coaching handover with Paul Roos.
Goodwin boasts a 56 per cent win-loss record after a stunning 2021 season.
Emotional Daniher ‘humbled’ by Demons’ HoF honour
- Jay Clark
Inspirational Demon Neale Daniher has been inducted into Melbourne’s Hall of Fame for his enormous contribution to the game.
Daniher, who has become one of the country’s most beloved figures raising more than $63 million for motor neurone disease research, was honoured as part of an emotional presentation at the club’s best and fairest count on Friday night.
Club greats Nathan Jones and David Neitz were on hand to congratulate Daniher, who coached the Demons for 10 years from 1998.
Neitz, who spoke on Daniher’s behalf with trademark humour, said he was incredibly grateful for the “incredible honour”.
“I’m truly humbled and flattered. Wow, 2021 what a great year for the red and the blue and now this personal achievement,” Neitz said for Daniher.
“I’m really glad I stuck around.”
Daniher had special thanks for his wife, Jan.
“My partner now for 40 years, and all the highs and lows in our lives we share together. She is me and I am her,” Neitz said.
Jones said Daniher’s legacy was “unsurpassed”.
“It’s not the football or coaching career, the awards, accolades, games or finals, it’s who he is and what he stands for as a person,” Jones said.
“Danners transcends football and how grateful we are to call him our own.”
The 60-year-old led the club to six finals appearances including a Grand Final in 2000 and presented Simon Goodwin with this year’s premiership cup at the MCG earlier this month. But his legacy will reach far beyond the sport as Daniher has become a national icon in recent years, showing tremendous spirit, courage, resilience and generosity in his fight against MND.
Melbourne president Kate Roffey said Daniher, who is the inspiration behind the annual ‘Big Freeze at the G’, continued to inspire Melbourne’s players and staff.
“He truly epitomises the Demon spirit. Neale’s leadership, resilience and positive attitude, particularly in the eight years since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, is remarkable,” Roffey said.
“He has not taken a backwards step in his fight against ‘The Beast’ and is an inspiration to many in the wider community.
“Our club is a better place because of Neale Daniher, and we are incredibly lucky to call him a proud Melbourne person.
“We congratulate and thank Neale, along with his wife Jan and their children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben, for all that have given to our club.”
Daniher was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia mid this year and was the only Demon inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday night.
He coached Melbourne in 223 games following an 82-game playing career at Essendon.
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