‘Come back even better’: Goodwin reveals next AFL move and lone reason for ‘shock’ sacking

Premiership coach Simon Goodwin has opened up on his exit from the Melbourne Football Club for the first time since last Tuesday’s shock announcement to sack him after nine years at the helm.

While the Demons’ struggles in season 2025 were well-documented up until his departure, the board’s decision to axe the 2021 flag winner took the vast majority of people by surprise.

Goodwin, who is one of just four people to ever lead the Demons to a V/AFL flag, spoke to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 eight days on from his departure at Melbourne.

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“It was a shock, there’s no doubt about that. I was disappointed that they’d come to that decision — but you accept that position,” Goodwin began.

“Do I 100% think that I was the right person to carry this team forward? Yes, because I’ve done it before … but that’s the decision the board made, and I accept that decision.

“They need a new voice, they want a new voice, and they’re going to get one.”

When probed by hosts Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon as to whether there was any other rationale for his sacking beyond the club’s “need” for a new voice, Goodwin responded: “I had a standard board meeting the week before, and didn’t have an inkling at that point. But as I said, I’m sure the board went through a thorough process.”

“That was the (only) reason I got; that they needed a new voice.”

The two-time Adelaide premiership player had a decorated career across his 275-game career, and has now spent well over a decade as a coach in the AFL system — making him a prime target for all clubs looking ahead to 2026.

Seven’s Mitch Cleary revealed on Wednesday evening that GWS have reached out to Goodwin in regards to a role next year.

Speaking on any future plans in the industry, Goodwin noted he right now feels open to anything.

“I’ve spent some time up in Sydney, and I’m going to catch up with a whole range of different people,” Goodwin continued.

“I’m open-minded to doing any thing in football. I love the game, I love coaching. I want to get away, have a spell … (but) coaching’s never complete, you want to get better. And I know with the experience and everything that’s I’ve gone through, with some PD (personal development), I’ll come back even better.”

Melbourne’s off-field imperfections before Goodwin’s departure are well-documented, leaving the 48-year-old with an extra layer of difficulty when trying to maintain the club’s success year-on-year.

It includes foxfooty.com.au’s report last October that some board members and those within the club’s corporate circle held concerns over former chief executive Gary Pert and his handling of a player’s trade negotiation — as well as separate worries over the management of superstars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.

Goodwin agreed when questioned as to whether his tenure while coaching without a CEO led to a level os misalignment at the club.

“I think clearly. Clearly, you need alignment for success. You look around the great sporting organisations around the world in business and sport, alignment is critical. It’s critical because it builds trust, and you can make some really great decisions that you need to moving forward,” Goodwin said.

“There’s certainly been challenges, and things that all football clubs need to work on — and Melbourne’s no different. But if you walk through the doors at training at Casey Fields with those players, the environment’s healthy, alive and well … and that’s the biggest part of your program to get right.

“For the next coach, I think it’s set-up incredibly well. I’d be incredibly excited by the group that they’ve got available to them.”