Melbourne mentor Simon Goodwin‘s phenomenal resuscitation of the Demons has landed him a prestigious individual honour, in a rewarding moment less than a week out from the grand final.
Goodwin has taken out the peer-voted AFL Coaches Association coach of the year award, polling a tally of 258 and finishing a long way ahead of Western Bulldogs mentor Luke Beveridge, who placed second with 193 votes.
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After leading Melbourne to a preliminary final berth in 2018, Goodwin’s Demons crashed to a 17th-placed finish in a horror 2019 campaign, before improving to ninth on the ladder last season.
Twelve months later, the Adelaide Crows great has Melbourne on the cusp of breaking a 57-year premiership drought, which they will aim to do in Saturday’s grand final against the Bulldogs.
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The Demons didn’t lose a game until the 10th round of this season and, with one match to play, have 19 wins, four losses and a draw to their name.
Captain Max Gawn nailed a set shot after the siren at Kardinia Park in the final round of the regular season to break Geelong hearts and clinch Melbourne the minor premiership.
Since then, Melbourne have recorded a 33-point qualifying final win over Brisbane and an 83-point preliminary final victory over Geelong en route to the grand final.
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“I’m very humbled to be voted the AFL Coaches Association coach of the year by my peers,” Goodwin said.
“Although it’s an individual accolade, ultimately it reflects the efforts of our entire footy club.
“It’s an acknowledgment of the hard work and character of our entire football department and playing list.
“It is the sum of all parts that come together to create a strong football club, and I certainly wouldn’t be receiving this award without the support and assistance of everyone who plays a role at the Melbourne football club.”
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