The Melbourne Demons are grappling with significant challenges following the recent departure of head coach Simon Goodwin. During a press conference addressing his sacking, Goodwin made a notable remark about the club’s ongoing struggle to establish a permanent home, stating, “Probably what I won’t miss is driving down to Casey,” referring to their training facility located approximately 53 kilometers from Melbourne’s central business district.
The issue of a stable training and administrative base is of high importance for the Demons. Goodwin acknowledged, “Without a doubt it’s a challenge,” highlighting the club’s fragmented operations. The Demons split their training between Casey Fields and Gosch’s Paddock, which are both located far from their administrative offices at AAMI Park and the iconic MCG. This disjointed setup contrasts sharply with other clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL).
The Demons previously operated out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from 1986 until 2009, but the move was necessitated by the need to accommodate cricket during the off-season. Currently, the club aims to develop a new facility at Caulfield Racecourse, but approval for this project remains uncertain and without a defined timeline.
Despite these challenges, the Demons celebrated a major achievement by ending their 57-year premiership drought in 2021. That season was notably impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire league. Brad Green, president of the Demons, expressed confidence in Goodwin’s leadership during his tenure, stating, “These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period. He’s a leader. He’s a great coach.”
The search for Goodwin’s successor will involve addressing the same obstacles he faced, particularly in attracting top talent without a secure training environment. Former premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who recently left their positions at West Coast and Sydney respectively, are expected to be among the candidates for the role. Both coaches, who share a history as teammates at North Melbourne, will discuss their experiences in a regular segment on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program.
As the Demons navigate this transitional period, the urgency for a cohesive and permanent home base remains a pressing concern, essential for the club’s future success and stability.
