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Simon Goodwin

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Simon Goodwin

Simon Goodwin (born 26 December 1976) is a retired Australian rules football player and coach, who played 275 games for the Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He went on to become the interim senior coach of the Essendon Football Club in 2013 and the senior coach of the Melbourne Football Club between 2017 and 2025, helping lead the club to its first premiership in 57 years in 2021. Throughout his playing career, Goodwin was a high-achieving midfielder who earnt multiple All-Australian selections and best and fairests. He captained the club for three seasons before retiring at the end of the 2010 season. He won two premierships with the Crows in 1997 and 1998. As coach of Melbourne, Goodwin led the Demons back into the finals in 2018, before coaching the side to premiership success three years later. His tenure as coach ended in August 2025, three weeks out from the end of the season, following successive years in which the club failed to initially win and later qualify for finals. Goodwin was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a player in 2017.

Infobox

2013
Essendon
Full name
Simon Goodwin
Nickname
Goody
Born
(1976-12-26) 26 December 1976 (age 48)Adelaide, South Australia
Original team
South Adelaide (SANFL)
Draft
No. 18, 1996 pre-season draft
Height
185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight
86 kg (190 lb)
Position
Midfielder
Years
Club
1997–2010
Adelaide
2017–2025
Melbourne

Tables

· Statistics › Playing statistics
G
G
Season
G
Team
B
No.
K
Games
H
Totals
D
Totals
M
Totals
T
Totals
G
Totals
B
Totals
K
Totals
H
Averages (per game)
D
Averages (per game)
M
Averages (per game)
T
1997#
1997#
Season
1997#
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
10
Totals
4
Totals
1
Totals
93
Totals
26
Totals
119
Totals
32
Totals
25
Averages (per game)
0.4
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
9.3
Averages (per game)
2.6
Averages (per game)
11.9
Averages (per game)
3.2
Averages (per game)
2.5
Votes
0
1998#
1998#
Season
1998#
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
21
Totals
8
Totals
6
Totals
202
Totals
89
Totals
291
Totals
60
Totals
45
Averages (per game)
0.4
Averages (per game)
0.3
Averages (per game)
9.6
Averages (per game)
4.2
Averages (per game)
13.9
Averages (per game)
2.9
Averages (per game)
2.1
Votes
0
1999
1999
Season
1999
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
19
Totals
2
Totals
2
Totals
148
Totals
77
Totals
225
Totals
49
Totals
17
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
7.8
Averages (per game)
4.1
Averages (per game)
11.8
Averages (per game)
2.6
Averages (per game)
0.9
Votes
0
2000
2000
Season
2000
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
22
Totals
15
Totals
21
Totals
284
Totals
177
Totals
461
Totals
104
Totals
28
Averages (per game)
0.7
Averages (per game)
1.0
Averages (per game)
12.9
Averages (per game)
8.0
Averages (per game)
21.0
Averages (per game)
4.7
Averages (per game)
1.3
Votes
7
2001
2001
Season
2001
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
23
Totals
16
Totals
11
Totals
370
Totals
149
Totals
519
Totals
73
Totals
90
Averages (per game)
0.7
Averages (per game)
0.5
Averages (per game)
16.1
Averages (per game)
6.5
Averages (per game)
22.6
Averages (per game)
3.2
Averages (per game)
3.9
Votes
10
2002
2002
Season
2002
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
22
Totals
17
Totals
16
Totals
271
Totals
205
Totals
476
Totals
61
Totals
63
Averages (per game)
0.8
Averages (per game)
0.7
Averages (per game)
12.3
Averages (per game)
9.3
Averages (per game)
21.6
Averages (per game)
2.8
Averages (per game)
2.9
Votes
7
2003
2003
Season
2003
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
19
Totals
13
Totals
12
Totals
208
Totals
137
Totals
345
Totals
62
Totals
43
Averages (per game)
0.7
Averages (per game)
0.6
Averages (per game)
10.9
Averages (per game)
7.2
Averages (per game)
18.2
Averages (per game)
3.3
Averages (per game)
2.3
Votes
0
2004
2004
Season
2004
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
10
Totals
6
Totals
2
Totals
123
Totals
65
Totals
188
Totals
38
Totals
22
Averages (per game)
0.6
Averages (per game)
0.2
Averages (per game)
12.3
Averages (per game)
6.5
Averages (per game)
18.8
Averages (per game)
3.8
Averages (per game)
2.2
Votes
2
2005
2005
Season
2005
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
24
Totals
20
Totals
12
Totals
313
Totals
233
Totals
546
Totals
107
Totals
64
Averages (per game)
0.8
Averages (per game)
0.5
Averages (per game)
13.0
Averages (per game)
9.7
Averages (per game)
22.8
Averages (per game)
4.5
Averages (per game)
2.7
Votes
9
2006
2006
Season
2006
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
24
Totals
12
Totals
12
Totals
369
Totals
270
Totals
639
Totals
101
Totals
83
Averages (per game)
0.5
Averages (per game)
0.5
Averages (per game)
15.4
Averages (per game)
11.3
Averages (per game)
26.6
Averages (per game)
4.2
Averages (per game)
3.5
Votes
10
2007
2007
Season
2007
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
21
Totals
10
Totals
8
Totals
268
Totals
248
Totals
516
Totals
91
Totals
53
Averages (per game)
0.5
Averages (per game)
0.4
Averages (per game)
12.8
Averages (per game)
11.8
Averages (per game)
24.6
Averages (per game)
4.3
Averages (per game)
2.5
Votes
12
2008
2008
Season
2008
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
23
Totals
33
Totals
29
Totals
272
Totals
196
Totals
468
Totals
120
Totals
61
Averages (per game)
1.4
Averages (per game)
1.3
Averages (per game)
11.8
Averages (per game)
8.5
Averages (per game)
20.3
Averages (per game)
5.2
Averages (per game)
2.7
Votes
5
2009
2009
Season
2009
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
21
Totals
4
Totals
2
Totals
220
Totals
328
Totals
548
Totals
119
Totals
46
Averages (per game)
0.2
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
10.5
Averages (per game)
15.6
Averages (per game)
26.1
Averages (per game)
5.7
Averages (per game)
2.2
Votes
6
2010
2010
Season
2010
Team
Adelaide
No.
36
Games
16
Totals
2
Totals
1
Totals
185
Totals
217
Totals
402
Totals
81
Totals
58
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
0.1
Averages (per game)
11.6
Averages (per game)
13.6
Averages (per game)
25.1
Averages (per game)
5.1
Averages (per game)
3.6
Votes
6
Career
Career
Season
Career
Team
275
No.
162
Games
135
Totals
3326
Totals
2417
Totals
5743
Totals
1098
Totals
698
Totals
0.6
Totals
0.5
Averages (per game)
12.1
Averages (per game)
8.8
Averages (per game)
20.9
Averages (per game)
4.0
Averages (per game)
2.5
Averages (per game)
74
Season
Team
No.
Games
Totals
Averages (per game)
Votes
G
B
K
H
D
M
T
G
B
K
H
D
M
T
1997#
Adelaide
36
10
4
1
93
26
119
32
25
0.4
0.1
9.3
2.6
11.9
3.2
2.5
0
1998#
Adelaide
36
21
8
6
202
89
291
60
45
0.4
0.3
9.6
4.2
13.9
2.9
2.1
0
1999
Adelaide
36
19
2
2
148
77
225
49
17
0.1
0.1
7.8
4.1
11.8
2.6
0.9
0
2000
Adelaide
36
22
15
21
284
177
461
104
28
0.7
1.0
12.9
8.0
21.0
4.7
1.3
7
2001
Adelaide
36
23
16
11
370
149
519
73
90
0.7
0.5
16.1
6.5
22.6
3.2
3.9
10
2002
Adelaide
36
22
17
16
271
205
476
61
63
0.8
0.7
12.3
9.3
21.6
2.8
2.9
7
2003
Adelaide
36
19
13
12
208
137
345
62
43
0.7
0.6
10.9
7.2
18.2
3.3
2.3
0
2004
Adelaide
36
10
6
2
123
65
188
38
22
0.6
0.2
12.3
6.5
18.8
3.8
2.2
2
2005
Adelaide
36
24
20
12
313
233
546
107
64
0.8
0.5
13.0
9.7
22.8
4.5
2.7
9
2006
Adelaide
36
24
12
12
369
270
639
101
83
0.5
0.5
15.4
11.3
26.6
4.2
3.5
10
2007
Adelaide
36
21
10
8
268
248
516
91
53
0.5
0.4
12.8
11.8
24.6
4.3
2.5
12
2008
Adelaide
36
23
33
29
272
196
468
120
61
1.4
1.3
11.8
8.5
20.3
5.2
2.7
5
2009
Adelaide
36
21
4
2
220
328
548
119
46
0.2
0.1
10.5
15.6
26.1
5.7
2.2
6
2010
Adelaide
36
16
2
1
185
217
402
81
58
0.1
0.1
11.6
13.6
25.1
5.1
3.6
6
Career
275
162
135
3326
2417
5743
1098
698
0.6
0.5
12.1
8.8
20.9
4.0
2.5
74
· Statistics › Coaching statistics
2013
2013
Season
2013
Team
Essendon
Games
1
W
0
L
1
D
0
W %
0.0%
LP
9
LT
18
2017
2017
Season
2017
Team
Melbourne
Games
22
W
12
L
10
D
0
W %
54.5%
LP
9
LT
18
2018
2018
Season
2018
Team
Melbourne
Games
25
W
16
L
9
D
0
W %
64.0%
LP
4
LT
18
2019
2019
Season
2019
Team
Melbourne
Games
22
W
5
L
17
D
0
W %
22.7%
LP
17
LT
18
2020
2020
Season
2020
Team
Melbourne
Games
17
W
9
L
8
D
0
W %
52.9%
LP
9
LT
18
2021#
2021#
Season
2021#
Team
Melbourne
Games
25
W
20
L
4
D
1
W %
80.0%
LP
1
LT
18
2022
2022
Season
2022
Team
Melbourne
Games
24
W
16
L
8
D
0
W %
66.6%
LP
2
LT
18
2023
2023
Season
2023
Team
Melbourne
Games
23
W
16
L
7
D
0
W %
69.2%
LP
4
LT
18
2024
2024
Season
2024
Team
Melbourne
Games
23
W
11
L
12
D
0
W %
47.8%
LP
14
LT
18
Career totals
Career totals
Season
Career totals
Team
183
Games
104
W
78
L
1
D
57.10%
Season
Team
Games
W
L
D
W %
LP
LT
2013
Essendon
1
0
1
0
0.0%
9
18
2017
Melbourne
22
12
10
0
54.5%
9
18
2018
Melbourne
25
16
9
0
64.0%
4
18
2019
Melbourne
22
5
17
0
22.7%
17
18
2020
Melbourne
17
9
8
0
52.9%
9
18
2021#
Melbourne
25
20
4
1
80.0%
1
18
2022
Melbourne
24
16
8
0
66.6%
2
18
2023
Melbourne
23
16
7
0
69.2%
4
18
2024
Melbourne
23
11
12
0
47.8%
14
18
Career totals
183
104
78
1
57.10%

References

  1. Caretaker coach
  2. AFL.com.au
    https://www.afl.com.au/news/680328/it-s-a-grand-new-flag-demons-finally-exorcise-57-years-of-pain
  3. ABC News
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/simon-goodwin-melbourne-demons-afl-coach-sacked/105613728
  4. "Mark Thompson named Essendon coach as Bombers confirm James Hird won't return to top job in 2014", Herald Sun, 10 Octob
    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-thompson-set-be-named-as-essendon-coach-with-neil-craig-a-possible-sidekick/story-fni5f6kv-1226735678783
  5. Simon Goodwin at AustralianFootball.com
    https://australianfootball.com/players/player/simon%2Bgoodwin/13688
  6. "Simon Goodwin"
    https://crowshistory.afc.com.au/afl-players/simon-goodwin
  7. "SIMON GOODWIN"
    https://australianfootball.com/players/player/Simon%2BGoodwin/13688
  8. The Australian
    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/goodwin-cops-40000-gambling-fine/story-e6frg7mx-1111113083250
  9. Goodwin announces AFL retirement
    https://archive.today/20120716034029/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/25/2908939.htm
  10. "Goodwin joins coaching panel"
    https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/762530/goodwin-joins-coaching-panel
  11. "Goodwin offers himself for Bombers AFL job"
    https://www.smh.com.au/sport/goodwin-offers-himself-for-bombers-afl-job-20130830-2svyp.html
  12. "Thompson named Senior Coach for 2014", Essendon Football Club, 10 October 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
    http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-10-10/thompson-named-senior-coach-for-2014
  13. Succession plan complete as Goodwin gets five-year deal with Dees, AFL.com.au official website, 18 September 2014
    http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-09-18/goodwin-joins-the-demons
  14. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/18/melbourne-appoint-simon-goodwin-as-paul-roos-likely-successor
  15. ABC News
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-18/demons-appoint-goodwin-to-coaching-panel/5753060
  16. "Simon Goodwin to coach Demons, despite late call from Crows"
    https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/simon-goodwin-to-coach-demons-despite-late-call-from-crows-20140918-10ixn9.html
  17. "Simon Goodwin's journey from 'rock bottom' to Demons mentor"
    https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/simon-goodwins-journey-from-rock-bottom-to-demons-mentor/news-story/b4d455a8103f958f13647ea058d3ec0b
  18. "Historic stat gives Dees fans confidence; gutsy effort from AFL's leading goalkicker: The 3–2–1"
    https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-2021-melbourne-demons-vs-carlton-blues-round-9-live-scores-updates-video-stream-stats-live-blog/news-story/f52f66d844984b0c32f104667e4b8305
  19. ABC News
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-26/afl-grand-final-was-won-melbourne-western-bulldogs/100492228
  20. Fox Sports
    https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/afl-news-2021-melbourne-premiership-current-list-out-of-contract-players-steven-may-interview-club-dynasty/news-story/a53fae44bf7ffc9a61bed43606a9ed0a
  21. ABC News
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-08/afl-melbourne-demons-controversy-timeline-goodwin-oliver-smith/104290638
  22. afl.com.au
    https://www.afl.com.au/news/1382041/melbourne-demons-part-ways-with-premiership-coach-simon-goodwin
  23. "Simon Goodwin sacked as Melbourne Demons AFL coach, club legend Garry Lyon 'shocked'"
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/simon-goodwin-melbourne-demons-afl-coach-sacked/105613728
  24. "'Sacked after an 83-point win': Demons to stump up more than $1m after dumping 'disappointed' Goodwin"
    https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/goodwin-and-melbourne-part-ways-20250805-p5mkdt.html
  25. "'Mate, we need to talk': The inside story of Simon Goodwin's sacking"
    https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/mate-we-need-to-talk-the-inside-story-of-simon-goodwin-s-sacking-20250805-p5mkkk.html
  26. "'Bloody Nasiah': Simon Goodwin's parting shot as Demons axe coach"
    https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/simon-goodwin-sacked-as-coach-of-melbourne/news-story/127039a337f4b87a18c60a7535c6c85d
  27. "The sacking of Simon Goodwin was ruthless but the right call for the Demons"
    https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2025/aug/05/afl-simon-goodwin-sacking-by-melbourne-demons-was-ruthless-but-the-right-call
  28. "'Broken man': Star's potential fallout as Dees legend 'totally shocked' by Goodwin sacking"
    https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/dees-legend-left-totally-shocked-by-goodwin-sacking-but-writing-has-been-on-the-wall/news-story/edbb9c6948ac4e1b912126d11b1cb616
  29. "Simon Goodwin sacked as coach of Melbourne"
    https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/simon-goodwin-sacked-as-coach-of-melbourne/news-story/9e687fb32d0b26b2e4a2f14b2daff4d0
  30. "AFL 2025: Melbourne sacks premiership coach Simon Goodwin"
    https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2025-melbourne-has-sacked-premiership-coach-simon-goodwin/news-story/5d1a31dd1ec941b7fde6dc6941fcd8ca
  31. "Off-field grenades, divided board, leadership changes: What led to Simon Goodwin's downfall?"
    https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/offfield-grenades-divided-board-leadership-changes-what-led-to-simon-goodwins-downfall/news-story/ba779e8585a100c12154139e55a159e5
  32. "Letter from Brad Green | Goodwin departs"
    https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1851565/letter-from-brad-green-goodwin-departs#:~:text=Simon%20will%20finish%20with%20the,over%20the%20next%20few%20weeks.
  33. "'Got that wrong': Candid coach's response to shock Demons backflip after $1m axing"
    https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/afl-news-2025-melbourne-coach-simon-goodwin-has-reportedly-been-sacked/news-story/2def02f7bffec06ef90c59cfaf8d73d4
  34. sydneyswans.com.au
    https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1897252/goodwin-joins-swans-coaching-ranks
  35. Simon Goodwin's player profile at AFL Tables
    http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/S/Simon_Goodwin.html
  36. afltables.com
    http://afltables.com/afl/stats/coaches/Simon_Goodwin.html
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