Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has raised questions about whether it’s time for Melbourne to consider parting ways with coach Simon Goodwin at the end of the season in search of a new direction. Goodwin has led the team since taking over from Paul Roos in 2017 as part of a planned succession, but the Demons’ performance has soured since their 2021 premiership victory. After a disappointing finish of 14th in 2024, Melbourne currently sits at 15th for 2025.
Lloyd opines that the current roster still holds significant talent, suggesting the need for a fresh perspective to unlock their potential. Speaking on Nine’s Footy Classified, he stated, “Simon Goodwin is contracted until the end of next year, but I would consider moving on Simon Goodwin at the end of the year.”
While acknowledging Goodwin’s contributions to the club, Lloyd highlighted recurring issues within the team’s performance, such as missed scoring opportunities and ineffective inside 50 entries. He noted, “There are stars out there, but the same problems keep happening at Melbourne…we’re still seeing the same issues.”
With the end of the season approaching, Lloyd believes that remaining with Goodwin might not yield the required turnaround, emphasizing that the team has the calibre of players needed to compete successfully. He urges that fresh ideas and strategies might be necessary for Melbourne to improve their situation instead of merely hoping for a rebound in performance.
As Melbourne heads into a bye week, the coaching staff has an opportunity to assess the current state of the team before a challenging match against Gold Coast in Round 16. With questions lingering about the effectiveness of the current leadership, the coming weeks will be crucial for both the squad and Goodwin’s future at the club.