"I got that wrong": Goodwin admits he didn't read the room

Simon Goodwin has spoken in the wake of the Melbourne Football Club’s decision to sack him.

The Demons and the 2021 premiership coach have parted ways effective immediately after 11 seasons together - nine as senior coach.

Goodwin, who was contracted for 2026, says he is most disappointed because he firmly believes the club is heading in the right direction.

“I was disappointed, there’s no doubt about that,” Goodwin said at his press conference.

“But I certainly respect the board’s decision, it’s their right to make the decision.

“I’m disappointed because I think we’re a hell of a lot closer to turning our club and team back into a contender again than what people think.

“I’m disappointed I’m not able to work with this great bunch of players that I know we’ve developed and spent a lot of time developing over time.

“I’m disappointed I’m not going to be a part of that. But ultimately that’s the board’s decision.”

Goodwin recently spoke of a perceived alignment in the club’s direction with everyone appearing to be on the same page.

But not too long later and Goodwin is out of a job.

“Obviously I got that wrong,” he said.

“Clearly the club are taking a different approach. As I said I totally respect that decision.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach this club for nine years, I’ve worked with some wonderful players and wonderful people, it’s been a great journey and something I certainly don’t take lightly.

“Obviously I’ll be disappointed. We’ve still got a lot more to offer, we’ve obviously been to the top of the mountain once, we stayed in the top four for a couple of years post which is a really tough thing to do.

“Right now we’re in a little transition phase and I certainly believe we’re a hell of a lot closer than people think.”

Asked if Goodwin believes he was given the right tools by the club to succeed, the 48-year-old replied: “I felt like we had a good preparation and good clear air into what we were trying to achieve.

“Clearly there’s been challenges in the last four years as a football club and we haven’t shied away from that. But my job is to navigate those challenges, to lead a team through those challenges where they can perform to a high level.

"That’s what my job is tasked with and what I’ll always do is try to create a team that can perform to a really high level as quickly as possible.

“There’s no doubt we’ve been trying to get that in the last 12 months. The results haven’t been there in recent times but they’re not far away.”

Goodwin coached 203 games in red and blue, winning 111 games, drawing one and losing 91.

His crowning moment came in 2021 when he guided the Dees to a 57-year drought-breaking premiership with a stunning 74-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth.