Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin accepts president Glen Bartlett’s public criticism of the team puts him and the rest of the playing group on notice.
In an interview with the Herald Sun following their 51-point loss to Port Adelaide last week, Barlett labelled the performance “insipid” and disgraceful”.
Goodwin said the inflammatory comments come from “an enormous place of care” and he would take what the president said on board.
“I think when the chairman speaks then you’ve got to listen,” Goodwin told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s clear as a footy club that we want to do better and Glen (Bartlett) comes from an enormous place of care, he wants our club to be great as I and everyone else wants (as well).
“On the back of a very poor season, we’re three wins and five losses and the season is still alive and I think right now we are looking for people to thrive and staff and players who welcome this opportunity."
Despite Melbourne’s struggles so far this season, Goodwin says his belief in turning things around hasn’t wavered.
“I’ve spoken to Glen at length and he’s had nothing but support for myself," he said.
“I was employed to lead this footy club with a clear strategy to lead us to our next premiership and I’m still very confident we will be able to do that.
“If those comments put pressure on me then I’ve got to accept that and I take responsibility for our performance. This season is well alive, personally I want to thrive in this environment and want to make the most of the opportunity.”
The Dees face a winless Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night in a crunch Round 10 clash.