Melbourne has decided to part ways with premiership coach Simon Goodwin after nine seasons at the helm.
Goodwin was a part of the Demons' succession plan, which saw Paul Roos hand the reins to the former Adelaide player ahead of the 2017 season.
The 48-year-old was informed of the decision on Monday night by the board.
Goodwin was contracted for 2026, and will receive a payout of nearly a million dollars, according to the Herald Sun's Jay Clark.
"I am writing to inform you that after 9 years at the helm, Simon Goodwin will be departing the club," Melbourne president Brad Green said to members.
"The Board and I came to the decision earlier this week that it is time for a new voice to lead our AFL playing group and program forward.
"Simon has given every ounce of his passion and energy to our club over his 11 years here, and as we look to transition to our next AFL premiership, the Board believes that a new senior coach is required to maximise the opportunity ahead of us.
"While Simon leaves an incredible legacy, it is now time for someone else to take the reins and bring with them new energy and new ideas to revitalise our playing list and program.
"Simon will finish with the club effective immediately, and assistant coach Troy Chaplin, will step in as caretaker coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. Troy has been with the club since the end of 2016 and is well-equipped and ready to guide the program over the next few weeks."
The decision follows a fortnight of inconsistent football, during which the Demons squandered a record 46-point lead at three-quarter time against St Kilda. They responded to that surprising defeat with an 83-point victory over West Coast.
"I've said all along, it's not about me, it's about the footy team and the footy club," he said after the victory over the Eagles.
"We feel like we've been building something throughout the year without outcome, and sometimes that can be really tough for our supporters and our people internally.
"I am really clear about what we're building, what we're trying to build and transition into, and I can see it unfolding.
"We need to learn how to turn the process into outcome, and today was a part of that, but we've still got work to do.
"It's never about me, it's not about the coach … I am the coach of the Melbourne footy club, I'm proud to be able to do that.
"Clearly I've got a clear plan, I'm well supported by the board in terms of where we're heading and what we're trying to achieve.
"They understand that sometimes when you're building something, challenge will occur, and what happens is you ride the challenge, have clarity and keep building."
Goodwin helped deliver a drought-breaking premiership in 2021. He is one of four premiership coaches in Demons history, alongside Albert Chadwick, Frank Hughes and Norm Smith.
He led the Demons to two consecutive finals series following the flag triumph in 2022 and 2023, but exited in straight sets.
Throughout his nine years, Goodwin has guided the club to a 106-85-1 overall record. He coached 203 games across his coaching career and sits behind only Norm Smith (310), Frank Hughes (258) and Neale Daniher (223) for games coached at Melbourne.
Melbourne sits 13th on the AFL ladder with a 7-13 record. They face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.
