AFL 2025: Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin responds to Christian Petracca final-siren emotion

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Christian Petracca’s emotional post-game moment speaks volumes about his commitment to the club.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin admired Christian Petracca’s raw reaction to last week’s loss to Geelong, praising the superstar’s determination for success.

The Norm Smith medallist’s emotion boiled over when his Demons slumped to a 0-4 start to the season last Friday night.

Petracca did not formally request a trade last year but rumours swirled about his future as a Demon after the handling of his season-ending injury against Collingwood in the King's Birthday clash.

Goodwin shut down the suggestion Petracca was frustrated and instead said he was displaying his passion and determination for Melbourne.

“He wasn’t frustrated, he wants to win and clearly he shows that with his emotion. As I said, he’s a winner,” Goodwin said.

“He’s determined for success and that’s what we love about him. He cares about his footy club, he cares about his teammates and wants to be involved in a winning team.”

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin praised Christian Petracca’s determination. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Goodwin wasn’t shocked by Petracca’s desire to succeed, saying “he displays that on a daily basis” at training.

“There’s been a hell of a lot of commentary around it, both positively and negatively. From a coach, I loved it,” he said.

“I love he’s got emotion, I love he shows that passion about his footy club and he displays that on a daily basis when he’s in here.

“He’s helping develop young players, he’s helping coach the team, lead the team throughout training sessions and game days.

“I love what he brings to our footy club – people see it differently – but he’s an outstanding person for us.

“Ultimately, you want people to have a winner’s mindset and that’s what Christian has, to be the best he can possibly be in the game and team to be the best they can possibly be – it’s a great mindset to have.”

Melbourne heads to Gather Round 0-4. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne captain Max Gawn echoed Goodwin’s defence of Petracca, insisting every player reacts to results differently.

“Some people react really poorly … you don’t want to be anywhere near Steven May when we lose,” he told Triple M.

“Some people react slightly differently, and it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t mean as much to them.

“It just means that Clayton (Oliver) might like to smile after the game. His reaction throughout the week is that he’s still upset about the loss.

“In the ‘Trac’s’ (Petracca’s) case, the camera is on him, it’s stiff. If the camera was on 15 other blokes, there would have been similar reactions.

“I think he’s a little embarrassed that the camera was on him, and he’ll learn from it. It just shows how much he cares at the moment.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin responds to Christian Petracca final-siren emotion