Simon Goodwin sacked as coach of Melbourne

Simon Goodwin’s time at Melbourne is over with the premiership coach sacked in the midst of another disappointing Demons season.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has been sacked.

The premiership-winning coach was told of the decision by the club’s board on Monday night.

Goodwin will receive a near one million dollar payout for next season.

The board had lost faith in the team’s direction under Goodwin.

Since a historic 2021 premiership, the Demons have missed finals in 2024 and 2025 after two failed September campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

While he was contracted for next season, senior Melbourne officials told Goodwin on Monday night that they wanted a change for 2026.

Simon Goodwin’s time at the Dees is over. Picture: Michael Klein

It is a bold call from the club, which is undergoing considerable change in its off-field leadership ranks, which has contributed to instability at the Dees this year.

New CEO Paul Guerra will take over on September 8 with interim CEO David Chippindall leading Melbourne in his absence this season.

Demons champion Brad Green has been a caretaker president, with respected former MCC boss Steven Smith set to take over as club president at the end of the year.

The board had empowered Goodwin to make considerable change to the game style and team this season after conceding both its method and personnel which took it to the 2021 flag needed an overhaul.

Despite a poor start to season, Goodwin was confident the Demons were on track to rise up the ladder next season with its ball movement changes and new midfield mix, however Melbourne had doubts after the loss to Carlton in round 19 and the final-term capitulation against St Kilda the week after.

Goodwin led the Dees to a drought-breaking premiership in 2021. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It leaves a cloud over the futures of some of Melbourne’s biggest stars, including 2021 Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca who has received interest from Hawthorn.

Petracca has kept silent on his future and will now likely hold off on a call until season’s end.

Goodwin will likely embark on a holiday and will be courted by media organisations to play a broadcast role in finals.

The Herald Sun understands Goodwin wants to continue coaching after an initial break.

Melbourne’s board will now have to decide what it wants to do with its coach ahead of the 2026 season.

Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, Pies assistant Hayden Skipworth and Bulldogs assistant Brendon Lade would be the early leading candidates.