Simon Goodwin has opened up about the end of his Melbourne coaching days on a panel with ex-West Coast coach Adam Simpson and Carlton captain Patrick Cripps.
Melbourne sacked Goodwin in early August as the Demons board voted that the club needed a 'new voice' with Geelong assistant Steven King announced as coach this month.
Speaking at a grand final lunch hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Goodwin said he'd like to coach again, and he explained what happened towards the end of his coaching career at the Demons
“It was only eight weeks ago, but I was ready, and in the end, you’re probably not performing your role to the maximum as you would have liked. I’ve been able to go away and write down all my lessons about what I’ve actually learnt in that process," Goodwin said.
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Asked what it was like at the end of a coaching term, ex-Eagles coach Adam Simpson said he enjoyed the 'big payout' from the 'big foot' but also found out a lot about himself.
“I think it was time for me. The new CEO arrived, and the new CEO wants to hitch their wagon to their man... I wasn’t Don Pyke’s man. But I was ready, in fact, it was a relief in the end," Simpson said.
“Being consistent is the number one thing I learnt, and trying to stay classy in the media was the second thing I learnt. I didn’t quite get that right... But there are some reptiles out there that you want to not go near.
“I’m in the media now a little bit, and I’m actually surprised how loyal they are to each other... It’s a bit more supportive than what I thought.”
Carlton's Patrick Cripps also spoke about coaches, backing his coach, Michael Voss and the potential they have next year.
“What he shows to me, he rocks up every day with the same energy no matter what,’’ Cripps said.
“This year was an example, I felt for him, I always chat to Vossy and check in. He was hurting at certain stages, but he showed up and led well. He never compromised his standards or who he was. I felt like the energy turned the last four weeks. We learnt some really good lessons as a footy club. I’m really optimistic and bullish going into next year. I’m more confident than I was last year, going into next year.”