‘This is our preferred style of play’: Simon Goodwin’s relief as Demons break their winless streak

The weight on Simon Goodwin’s role has been lightened as Kysaiah Pickett sparked a dynamic offensive effort, ultimately ending the Demons’ winless run to start the season.

Goodwin has faced significant scrutiny in recent weeks due to his team grappling with their worst opening to a season in 13 years without a win.

However, a commanding performance in the first quarter raised the morale of the Demons coach as his side triumphed 16.11 (107) to 14.13 (97) against Fremantle at the MCG.

Melbourne notched up 12.2 by halftime, matching their highest score of the year, with Pickett “setting the MCG ablaze” by contributing four goals.

The Demons maintained their dominance into the third term, but their goal-scoring rate began to wane compared to their first half performance.

A late push from Fremantle in the final quarter threatened the Demons’ pursuit of victory, especially when key forward Jye Amiss slotted two goals to intensify the game.

Yet it was Harvey Langford who cushioned his side against another defeat by kicking a crucial goal, propelling the Demons past the 100-point benchmark.

Post-game, Demons’ skipper Max Gawn, who recorded 28 disposals, 31 hit-outs, and 10 clearances, commented on the team’s ongoing development on Fox Footy: “We are trying to grow and adapt in real-time. We didn’t have Steven May or Jake Lever today – it was a rather inexperienced group, but we are focused on scoring. The defensive mindset was outstanding today.”

This victory is a promising sign for Goodwin, particularly as potential successors to his position have surfaced.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was speculated to be a front-runner for the role but has recently dismissed any thoughts of leaving his team in 2026.

Nevertheless, Goodwin affirmed that, despite the growing external speculation regarding his position, his players remain focused and unaffected by it.

“I consistently encourage the players to filter out the noise,” he stated in his post-match comments.

“What matters is how you approach your duties, your dedication to the task at hand – I feel truly supported by the president and the club regarding my role here.

“My responsibility is to guide the team and help our players reach their utmost potential.

“I don’t pay attention to outside chatter. My commitment lies with the Melbourne Football Club, and I aim to perform to the best of my ability.

“We are navigating through a period of transition which can pose challenges; I recognise that change is not easy as a coach.

“While we are not where we aspire to be, we are progressing well.

“[Today’s performance] is the model for how we wish to play,” he added.

“The efforts without the ball, our tackling, the pressure, the chase… that’s the foundation of this football club.”