Reigning AFL premiers rocked by leaked Simon Goodwin revelation
Reigning AFL premiers Melbourne have defended senior coach Simon Goodwin, after revelations the club's board once considered terminating his contract over allegedly troubling off-field conduct.
Documents leaked to and reported on by the Herald Sun revealed then club president Glen Bartlett had become deeply concerned by reports of his alleged behaviour, both at the club and in public.
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Goodwin was hired by the Demons in 2017, coaching them to a finals appearance in 2018 before they missed the top eight for the following two seasons.
A review into Goodwin's tenure at the end of the 2020 season, chaired by Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert, cleared the 45-year-old to continue on as coach.
After missing finals in 2019 and 2020, Melbourne took all before them last season to break a 57-year premiership drought.
Despite the revelations, current Melbourne president Kate Roffey backed Goodwin as an 'exceptional leader' who had brought success to the club after many years of mediocrity.
"I want to make this very clear, I look forward to Simon continuing to evolve as a coach and leader at the Melbourne Football Club for many more years to come," Roffey said.
"As part of the review Gary (Pert) spoke to over 40 people both internal and external to the club including players, coaches, and staff.
"All feedback and conversations were taken incredibly seriously and followed through using the club's standard governance processes.
The Melbourne Football Club has thrown its support behind Simon Goodwin, insisting he'll be its coach for years to come.
It comes alongside allegations he bullied a former club doctor, who previously raised concerns about his drinking and gambling. @ajhegarty9 #9News pic.twitter.com/6zfMAyDylL— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) February 8, 2022
"As previously communicated to Melbourne supporters, the review reaffirmed Simon Goodwin as the right man to lead our club, and ultimately to drive us to premiership success.
"As expected from any review, the final recommendations outlined areas for improvement for several key staff within the football program, that feedback was given and welcomed by Simon and others as a way of improving our young leaders who are driving the cultural change.
"Simon, like many others within the department, was given this feedback and embraced the opportunity it provided to evolve and improve as a coach.
"During these feedback discussions, Simon totally rejected any accusations of bullying behaviour and as the club president, I totally support Simon rejecting those accusations.
"Simon is an inclusive leader who is loved by the players, coaches and staff and goes out of his way to build genuine relationships throughout the football department and broader club."
Demons aim to create AFL flag dynasty
Melbourne forward Alex Neal-Bullen says the Demons are aiming to create an AFL dynasty in the mould of the great Brisbane Lions, Geelong, Hawthorn and Richmond teams.
The Demons broke their 57-year flag drought with a 74-point flogging of the Western Bulldogs in the 2021 grand final in Perth.
Neal-Bullen insists Melbourne remain as hungry as ever for flag success, and they are determined to become the next great AFL team.
Brisbane won three consecutive flags from 2001-03, Geelong won in 2007, 2009 and 2011, Hawthorn completed a three-peat from 2013-15, and Richmond triumphed in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Neal-Bullen says Melbourne are intent on creating their own dynasty.
"The language we're using - there's a desire to be a great Melbourne team," Neal-Bullen said.
"That's something we've got front of mind. It's going to be a hard challenge, but it's one we're willing to step in front of.
"There's no way I'm sitting here now having one good season (and being satisfied).
"I'm a competitor. We're all competitors out here. The time in the game is short, you want to make the most of it."
Neal-Bullen said one of the major challenge facing the Demons is they will now be the hunted.
But he's taken inspiration from how the Lions, Cats, Hawks and Tigers handled the challenge during their reigns.
"One thing they all did is they respected the game and how hard it is each year," Neal-Bullen said.
"That's something you have to have a real balance with each season, coming into a new season and understanding everyone is at the start line.
"We are now a team who have had success, so teams will definitely look at coming at us."
With AAP
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