🔥 Trending Who is Simon Goodwin? Adelaide Crows star involved in car accident

Simon Goodwin is a prominent figure in Australian Rules Football (AFL), known both for his distinguished playing career and his coaching tenure, most notably with the Melbourne Demons. He has recently been in the news due to his departure from the Demons and subsequent new role.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on December 26, 1976, Simon Goodwin played 275 games for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL ¹. During his playing career, he was a two-time premiership player and a five-time All-Australian ⁴. He was recognized as a star midfielder during his time on the field ².

Coaching Career with Melbourne Demons

Goodwin transitioned into coaching after his playing career, eventually taking the helm at the Melbourne Demons. His most significant achievement as coach was leading the Demons to a drought-breaking AFL premiership in 2021 ³⁴. This victory marked a historic moment for the club, ending a long premiership drought.

Recent Developments and Departure from Melbourne Demons

In August 2025, Goodwin was sacked as the head coach of the Melbourne Demons ³. The decision came after the team was set to miss the finals for a second consecutive season ³. Reports indicated that the board had lost faith in the team's direction ⁷. His sacking followed a challenging period, including opening the 2025 season with five straight losses and another subsequent five-game losing streak ⁷. Goodwin expressed his disappointment following the decision ⁸.

Post-Demons Role

Shortly after his departure from Melbourne, Goodwin quickly found a new role. He joined the Sydney Swans as their director of coaching and performance ⁴. This move to Sydney also aligns with his personal life, as his wife, Kristine Brooks, is a prominent figure in the Sydney finance world ⁶. The couple married in January 2025 in Bali ⁶.

Goodwin's journey has also involved overcoming personal challenges, including a period where he sought help in a rehabilitation clinic ⁵. His career reflects a trajectory from a successful player to a premiership-winning coach, followed by a significant change in his professional path within the AFL.