Max Gawn shocked by Simon Goodwin sacking but tells Demons 'don't wait' on replacement

Melbourne captain Max Gawn says he was shocked but not angry at the sacking of coach Simon Goodwin, as he urged prospective candidates to take the call from the Demons.

Goodwin, who coached Melbourne to the 2021 premiership, was axed on Tuesday, despite having a contract that ran until the end of 2026.

Goodwin axed by Demons Photo shows Simon Goodwin speaks at a press conference after being fired as Melbourne Demons AFL coach. Four years after leading Melbourne to a drought-breaking AFL premiership, Simon Goodwin is axed as Demons coach as the team is set to miss the finals for a second straight season.

Melbourne sits 12th on the ladder, with the club's board believing the team needs a new voice to help steer them towards the finals again.

Demons wingman Ed Langdon made it clear on Wednesday he did not agree with the board's opinion.

Gawn was more diplomatic on Thursday, toeing a fine line between expressing his love for Goodwin and respecting the "ballsy" decision from the club's board.

"I was shocked, as most people were. They didn't see it coming," Gawn said on Triple M.

"I'm definitely not angry. I'm a lover of the Melbourne football club, and in the end, I'm going to support most decisions they make, and this is another one I'm going to get behind.

"They've sacked people who I've loved before, and I've moved on, and so have they.

"This one is a harder one to take … but I also have great relationships with people who made the decision, and they've explained it carefully to me as to why."

Goodwin sacking is just one step in redeeming Melbourne's golden glow Photo shows GettyImages-2224232921 Melbourne fans will hope the removal of Simon Goodwin will help lead the club back to its golden glow — but it is never that simple.

When asked whether the Demons needed a new voice, Gawn joked: "Ed Langdon butchered this one yesterday."

"Do we need a new voice? I appreciate after nine years, a new voice could help," Gawn added.

"I was pretty bullish on what we were building at the football club, and the old voice was doing well for me.

"But we were also 6-13 (win-loss record), and good clubs don't wait. It's natural to be scared of change. I'm scared of change.

"I've got a lot of relationships in that building, [and] I hope they all keep their jobs. But change sometimes is necessary."

Nathan Buckley, John Longmire, Adam Simpson and Ken Hinkley are among the experienced names floated to replace Goodwin.

"I feel like it's a call you should take," Gawn said in a message to anyone who is considering applying for the role.

Troy Chaplin has been appointed interim coach for the rest of the season, starting with Sunday's match with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

AAP

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