Departing Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said the reason he didn't want to see out the remainder of the 2025 season was for his players to have "clear air".
The Demons' shock sacking of Goodwin on Tuesday followed an 83-point victory against West Coast on the weekend, and bookended a tumultuous four-year period for the Victorian club.
But following the "unanimous decision" by Melbourne's board to show the 48-year-old the door, Goodwin opted not to lead the club in the final three matches of the home and away season, with caretaker and assistant coach Troy Chaplin to fill his seat.
He'll miss upcoming clashes against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Collingwood.
"It's to give the players the clear air," Goodwin said. "I always talk about the team mentality, and no one is bigger than the team. I didn't want it to be about me. It's about them and the progress they have had."
Despite the initial sinking feeling of not coaching the Melbourne Football Club, Goodwin declared his desire to return to the hot seat, albeit after a much-needed break from the game.
"I would love to coach again. I love coaching and the game. I've been 30 straight years in this game. I'll get away and spend some time with the family," he said.
"I've got five kids, and they ride every bump with you. They have been on the whole journey."
The Melbourne board came to the decision on Monday night, and alerted Goodwin that his services beyond 2025, albeit with one more year left on his deal, were no longer required.
After the drought-breaking premiership in 2021, followed by a pair of straight-sets exits, the Demons have struggled to rise up the AFL ladder.
But bloodling a bevy of young talent and retaining their core stars, Goodwin believed it was about to turn, and was disheartened that he won't be there to reap the rewards.
"I was disappointed, there's no doubt about that," Goodwin said on Tuesday.
"But I certainly respect the board's decision; it's their right to make the decision.
"I'm disappointed because I think we're a hell of a lot closer to turning our club and team back into a contender again than what people think.
"I'm disappointed I'm not able to work with this great bunch of players that I know we've developed and spent a lot of time developing over time.
"I'm disappointed I'm not going to be a part of that. But ultimately that's the board's decision."
As one of four premiership coaches at the Demons, Goodwin was placed in rare air following the 2021 flag triumph. He sits alongside club legends Albert Chadwick, Frank Hughes and Norm Smith.
"I find it a little bit embarrassing," Goodwin said, on that exalted status.
"I wanted to have success, but when you get touted with that drought-breaking tag... there's so many people that make up a great football club. There's so many people that make up a good team, and I was just lucky to be a part of that journey.
"For me personally, I'm more indebted to the people that helped me. The Todd Vineys. The Josh Mahoneys. The Peter Jacksons. The people who laid the foundations for this footy club, and built the stability for a six-year period, and the pieces in place to have success.
"They're the guys who should be credited the most for the success of the premiership."
