Simon Goodwin says Melbourne can make a ‘significant jump very shortly’

NEWLY-minted Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says it’s time for the Demons to build upon the respect they clawed back under Paul Roos.

Simon Goodwin is officially announced as Melbourne’s new coach. Picture: Norm Oorloff

NEWLY-minted Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says it’s time for the Demons to build upon the respect they clawed back under predecessor Paul Roos.

Goodwin was officially unveiled as the Demons’ new senior coach on Wednesday after a two-year apprenticeship as assistant coach under Roos.

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“We are on a long journey and we do have a long way to go ... (but) whether it’s this year or whether it’s the years to come, we’ll see a significant jump in this football club very shortly,” Goodwin said.

One of the new coach’s biggest tasks will be convincing star forward Jesse Hogan to re-sign on a long-term deal.

Simon Goodwin takes the quarter-time team talk as Paul Roos watches on. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Goodwin is confident Hogan will stay at the club despite the multi-million dollar lure from rivals. Hogan is out of contract at the end of next year and has been linked to a move back to his home state of Western Australia.

However, Goodwin believes the 21-year-old will extend his deal with the Demons, saying he “loves his teammates, he loves playing for this club and I’ve got a really strong relationship with Jesse”.

Originally published as Simon Goodwin says Melbourne can make a ‘significant jump very shortly’