Melbourne has sacked coach Simon Goodwin, according to multiple sources, with a statement from the club to be issued later today.
Goodwin coached Melbourne to their drought-breaking premiership in 2021, but the club has slid down the ladder since.
In 2022 and 2023, the club was bundled out in straight sets, while in 2024 and 2025, the club has missed finals.
Pressure has been on Goodwin for quite some time after the team started the season 0-5, but he has maintained that he is the best coach for the club.
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Melbourne President Brad Green said the decision was tough but had to be made.
“He has given absolutely everything, not just as a coach, but as a person, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the red and blue," Green said in a statement.
“While decisions like this are never easy, the Board and I believe that now is the right time for a new voice to lead our AFL playing group and program forward.”
Goodwin was quoted last week, saying he didn't feel like his position was under threat and he wanted to lead the team.
"We’re all very aligned about the process of where we need to go to, what we need to create success,” he said. “I feel incredibly supported by the board, I have for nine years," Goodwin said.
The sacking comes just over one week after the Demons gave up a historic 46-point three-quarter time lead to lose against St Kilda by six points.
It was the biggest comeback from three-quarter time in V/AFL history, with Dees captain Max Gawn saying the club needed to 'learn how to win' close games.
Gawn also backed his coach last week, explaining Goodwin was his favourite coach and he found his tactics were 'smart'.
Goodwin also faced a purported death threat last week, which was investigated by Victoria Police and the AFL.
The decision has come with just three games left in the season, with Melbourne currently sitting in 12th position with 7 wins and 13 losses.
The Demons have Western Bulldogs (Home), Hawthorn (Away) and Collingwood (Away) to finish the season.