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Find your frequency hereThe stat that could eliminate big names from Demons job
SEN • August 10th, 2025 7:30 pm
While most would expect the Demons to appoint the biggest name available to them, there’s one incredible stat that could be music to the ears of the less experienced contenders.
In the last 20 years, 19 of the flags have been won by sides with a first-time coach.
Incredibly, in the last two decades, Mick Malthouse is the only flag-winning coach to repeat the achievement with his next club.
So, is this something Melbourne will take into account? Possibly, according to Alan Richardson who has spoken for the first time since Simon Goodwin’s sacking.
“I won’t go into too much detail out of respect for the process,” Richardson told SEN’s AFL Nation. “But I will be heavily involved to make sure we get the next premiership coach for our club.
“We just want the best coach.
“Nineteen out of twenty have been first time coaches to win the flag and that is compelling.
“We have to look at who is the best coach for our situation.”
“We have to look at who is the best coach for our situation.”
By his own admission, it’s been a rough week at the Demons.
After 11 years at the club and nine as head coach, Goodwin was stood down from his role on Tuesday.
Despite being offered the chance to coach out the final games, the 48-year-old said he would leave effective immediately.
Goodwin spoke at a media conference after his sacking, alongside the man who has delivered the news, interim president Brad Green.
The magnitude of Goodwin agreeing to speak was not something that was lost on Richardson.
“It’s a really challenging week,” he said. To say goodbye to someone that has done so much for us is challenging.
“It (the decision) had to be made from a timing point of view but it gives us the best opportunity to make good decisions going forward.
“I was not really (surprised by the sacking), I’m head of footy so I’m involved in those decisions. I’m part of that decision making I won’t remove myself from that.
From a footy dept head perspective, I’m aligned with the board.
“He (Goodwin) handled himself with real class. He will be a Melbourne person for life given what he achieved.”
Nathan Buckley has said he will take a phonecall from the Demons regarding the role. John Longmire is reportedly not interested while Adam Simpson's name is also being floated.
Interim coach Troy Chaplin, who will oversee the final three games, has said he is not looking to take the position full-time.
