The Melbourne Demons are grappling with a significant challenge regarding their home ground following the recent departure of head coach Simon Goodwin. During a press conference addressing his sacking, Goodwin made a lighthearted remark about not missing the long drive to the club’s outer-suburban training facility in Casey, underscoring the ongoing issue of the Demons lacking a permanent home base.
Goodwin, who expressed gratitude for his time as coach, remarked, “Probably what I won’t miss is driving down to Casey.” His comment, while humorous, highlights a serious concern for the club, which has been without a singular, centralized training and administrative facility for years. “Without a doubt it’s a challenge,” he stated, adding that Kelly O’Donnell, a former player and current scout, has been with the club since 1979 and is still waiting for a solution.
Current Training and Administrative Setup
The Demons currently split their training sessions between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, approximately 53 kilometers from Melbourne’s central business district, and Gosch’s Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Their administrative operations are based out of AAMI Park, with some staff still operating from their traditional home at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The club transitioned from the Junction Oval in St Kilda in 2009 due to the need to accommodate cricket during the off-season. The Demons have long sought to establish a new headquarters at Caulfield Racecourse, but approval for this project remains uncertain, and there is no clear timeline for its completion.
In 2021, the Demons ended a 57-year premiership drought, a victory that came during a tumultuous season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing Goodwin’s tenure, Brad Green, the club’s president, reinforced the board’s belief that they provided him with the best possible chance for sustained success. “These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period,” Green remarked, emphasizing Goodwin’s leadership qualities and coaching abilities.
Challenges Ahead for the New Coach
The new head coach will inherit the same obstacles, particularly the challenge of attracting star players without a consistent and inviting headquarters. High-profile coaches such as Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who both experienced exits from their respective clubs last year, are likely to be considered for the Demons’ vacant position.
The ongoing quest for a stable training and administrative base complicates the club’s strategic planning. As the Demons look to solidify their place in the AFL, the need for a permanent home becomes increasingly pressing, affecting not only recruitment efforts but also overall team cohesion and performance.
The situation remains fluid, and the decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future of the Melbourne Demons as they seek to build on their recent success.
