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Why Gawn is not angry over Goodwin sacking
SEN • August 7th, 2025 11:24 am
Max Gawn has broken his silence on Simon Goodwin’s shock sacking revealing he did not see it coming but will support the club’s decision.
Melbourne announced they would be parting ways with their senior coach of nine years at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon where interim president Brad Green appeared alongside Goodwin.
The 48-year-old confirmed he had been offered the opportunity to coach out the team’s final three games but for the benefit of the players and process of finding his replacement he would be leaving his post with immediate effect.
While many believe the writing was on the wall for the 2021 premiership coach amid a dismal run of results this season, Gawn insists he was caught by surprise.
“It’s a ‘where were you when’ moment,” Gawn said on Triple M. “The Test between England and India was coming to a climax and I get a phone call from Alan Richardson and David Chippindall and they arrive within a minute of the call.
“While we have the conversation, (Chris) Woakes is coming out in a sling and I’m missing history. I had one eye on the Test match.
“They walked me through the process they had, just coming from Goody’s house so I appreciate I was part of the process.
“I had 12 hours to sort it out. I called him in the morning, and we had a good chat and the rest you saw.
“I was obviously shocked as most people were. I didn’t see it coming which is good managing in my eyes. If you did see it coming it means things are leaking and you’re struggling to keep things in house so the shock is a good thing in my eyes.”
Gawn and Goodwin have enjoyed a “father-son” like relationship as captain and coach.
The sacking prompted many this week to speculate that the star ruckman could be forced into looking for a fresh start elsewhere – a move Gawn is adamant is not on his radar.
The sacking prompted many this week to speculate that the star ruckman could be forced into looking for a fresh start elsewhere – a move Gawn is adamant is not on his radar.
“I’ve had some great times with Goody,” he continued. “Him at the football club is me at my best.
“Definitely not angry. I’m a supporter of the team and I love the club. They’ve sacked people that I love before, and this one is harder to take but I also have great relationships with people that made the decision and they have explained it to me.
“I’m a lover of the club and I’m excited for what’s next.
“It’s amazing how fast you move on in football. Goodwin sacked like, ‘jeez my life is over, what’s happened here, I’m down in the dumps Tuesday morning and we train Tuesday arvo'.
“I’m here today and now I can’t wait for the Bulldogs game, trade period and a new coach. It’s amazing how quickly you move on.
“That would me y advice for layers and supporters – let's move on.”
Nathan Buckley, John Longmire and Adam Simpson are among the big names being linked with the vacant role at Melbourne, but when it comes to Goodwin’s replacement, Gawn is reluctant to have an opinion.
“I hope they do (take the call),” Gawn said of the names being thrown around.
“There’s 18 jobs for coaching and I presume all coaches want to get to the pinnacle.
“It’s natural to be scared of change but when it happens you realise nothing really happened and you’re bullish on what’s to come. Change is sometimes necessary.”
