Simon Goodwin’s next AFL move revealed after Dees exit in huge coup for rival

Simon Goodwin’s next move after departing the Melbourne Football Club has been revealed, with Dean Cox and the Sydney Swans recruiting the premiership coach for the 2026 season.

The 2021 flag winner will join the Swans as the club’s new Director of Coaching & Performance, after nearly nine full seasons as head coach of the Demons.

His new role will see him work alongside Cox and the Sydney coaching unit, after an underwhelming 2025 season impacted by several key injuries.

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“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sydney as I’ve always admired how the Swans work hard and take care of their people,” Goodwin said via a club statement on Friday evening.

“Sydney is a club that has achieved sustained success, and I’m looking forward to helping continue that tradition by developing the coaches and players who will shape the club’s future.”

The 48-year-old played 275 games at Adelaide across a 14-year career, and was a five-time All-Australian. He won two premierships also as a player, and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

“We’re really excited to welcome Simon to Sydney. He’s a proven leader, a creative thinker, and someone who’s passionate about helping our game grow, which is so important in the NSW market,” Sydney General Manager Leon Cameron added.

“A big part of Simon’s job will be helping our coaches grow and develop, and we know his experience will be invaluable.”

Goodwin finished his head coaching career at Melbourne with an impressive winning percentage of 55.47.

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