Former Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has landed back at an AFL club, weeks after getting sacked by the Demons.
The 2021 premiership coach was let go by Melbourne in early August, despite having a year left to run on his contract, bringing his nine-year reign at the Dees to an end.
On Friday, just six weeks after his axing, the 48-year-old was announced as Sydney’s new director of coaching.
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“Well-known for his impressive record as both a player and a coach, Goodwin will work closely alongside Dean Cox and the rest of the coaching team to drive high performance standards, on and off the field,” the Swans said in a statement on their website.
“A veteran of 275 games for the Adelaide Crows, Goodwin has an impressive football resume. He was a five-time All-Australian and a two-time premiership player, known for his leadership and on-field intelligence.
“After retiring as a player, Goodwin transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Essendon before taking the helm at Melbourne. Under his guidance, Melbourne secured a drought-breaking premiership in 2021.”
Goodwin joins fellow former senior coach Leon Cameron, who has been at the Swans for the past three years, having joined the club in similar circumstances when he was sacked by GWS in 2022.
Cameron, who is the Swans’ head of footy, said Goodwin’s breadth of experience was too great to pass up.
“We’re really excited to welcome Simon to Sydney. He’s a proven leader, a creative thinker, and someone who’s passionate about helping our game grow, which is so important in the NSW market,” he told the club’s website.
“A big part of Simon’s job will be helping our coaches grow and develop, and we know his experience will be invaluable.”
Goodwin, whose wife has business interests in Sydney, said he’s looking forward to heading north of the border.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sydney as I’ve always admired how the Swans work hard and take care of their people,” he said.
“Sydney is a club that has achieved sustained success, and I’m looking forward to helping continue that tradition by developing the coaches and players who will shape the club’s future.”
The former Crows captain spoke to multiple clubs, including the Giants, before settling on Sydney as his next move.
Goodwin has been replaced at Melbourne by former Geelong ruck Steven King, who was announced as the Dees’ new man last week.
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