AFL coach Simon Goodwin took his team to a one-of-a-kind grand final victory – now he's revealed why it wasn't all it was cracked up to be

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Melbourne Demons’ 2021 AFL Premiership Victory: Coach Simon Goodwin’s Surprising Revelation

In a candid admission, Simon Goodwin, the coach who led the Melbourne Demons to their historic 2021 AFL Premiership, has revealed that he felt his crowning achievement was “not enough.” Despite securing the premiership title, breaking a 57-year drought for the club, Goodwin confessed to experiencing a sense of incompleteness following the momentous victory.

Grand Final Triumph in Perth: A Unique Victory

Goodwin, a former player for the Demons, expressed that his feelings stemmed from the unusual circumstances surrounding the grand final triumph over the Western Bulldogs. The decisive match, resulting in a resounding victory, was held in Perth’s Optus Stadium rather than the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the traditional venue. This relocation was due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time, creating an unprecedented and somewhat detached experience for the team and their fans.

The Demons achieved a dominant 74-point win, ending a prolonged premiership dry spell dating back to 1964. However, the celebrations were muted for many loyal supporters in Melbourne, who were forced to watch the historic moment on television from afar.

Expectations and Off-Field Challenges Post-Premiership

Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2021 triumph, Goodwin recounted a conversation with interviewer Hamish McLachlan on Channel Seven’s Unfiltered. McLachlan noted the prevailing sentiment that the Demons, with their exceptional playing roster, were poised for sustained success and potentially multiple premierships. He inquired about whether Goodwin had foreseen the subsequent off-field disruptions that would impact the club.

Goodwin acknowledged that the 2022 and 2023 seasons represented missed opportunities, marked by disappointing exits in the finals. He explained that both he and his team felt burdened by the immense expectation of establishing a dynasty reminiscent of Hawthorn and Richmond’s dominant eras.

Pressure and Internal Issues

“We weren’t enjoying the game with the same freedom,” Goodwin admitted, describing the shift in atmosphere following the premiership. “There was immense pressure, an overwhelming expectation looming over us because of the success of 2021.”

He elaborated on the mounting demands, stating, “There was this need to achieve another flag in front of our supporters, to secure it at the MCG.” Goodwin articulated that “it felt like [the premiership] wasn’t considered sufficient,” and this perception fueled escalating expectations within the club, compounded by emerging off-field difficulties.

Off-Field Turmoil at the Demons

Goodwin’s assessment is underscored by a series of off-field events that have plagued the Melbourne Demons. Former chairman Glen Bartlett publicly criticized several club figures, including Goodwin himself. This was followed by the resignations of president Kate Roffey and CEO Gary Pert.

Further adding to the instability, key players Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were reportedly exploring opportunities with other teams. Additionally, Joel Smith faced a significant setback with a four-year ban issued last October due to a drug-related infraction.

Heavy Atmosphere and Exhaustion

“There was a palpable heaviness surrounding our football club, off-field,” Goodwin acknowledged. “We were continually addressing internal player issues, and these challenges accumulated, layer upon layer.”

He concluded, “It became incredibly burdensome, leaving everyone feeling utterly exhausted.”

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