Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your frequency hereBomber legend, Storm GM included in Melbourne's coach appointment panel
SEN • August 14th, 2025 7:16 pm
The Melbourne Demons have finalised their coaching appointment panel ahead of their search for the club's next head coach.
After sacking premiership coach Simon Goodwin last Tuesday morning, the Demons have been linked to a number of available senior coaches, and have today finalised the board of selectors ahead of their major decision.
Amongst the ranks, Melbourne has opted to include former Essendon star Jobe Watson, alongside Melbourne Storm GM Frank Ponissi and HR executive Meahan Callaghan.
The Demons released this statement on Thursday afternoon:
"Melbourne has finalised a panel, consisting of both internal and external representatives, which will assist in the appointment of its next AFL Senior Coach.
"President Brad Green, Director Steve Smith, incoming CEO Paul Guerra and GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson will be joined on the panel by Jobe Watson, Frank Ponissi and Meahan Callaghan.
"Watson is a respected football-figure who captained the Essendon Football Club, playing 220 games across his career. A dual All-Australian, Watson has an elite football IQ and an intimate knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a football department.
"Ponissi is currently the Director of Football at Melbourne Storm, where he has been instrumental in building one of the most successful high-performance environments in Australian sport. During his 18-year tenure, Ponissi has worked side-by-side with senior coach Craig Bellamy to take Storm to 17 finals series and multiple premierships.
"Callaghan is an accomplished Human Resources Executive, who has vast experience in the People and Culture sector, and has led the recruitment processes for large-scale companies both globally and domestically. She is currently a member of the club’s PCNR Committee and is the Chief People and Culture Officer at Articore Group.
"The club will commence the process of finding its next senior coach immediately, with a view of making an appointment by mid-late September."
