Former Mebourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin believes the “urge” to return as a senior coach will likely come back as he continues to settle into his new role at Sydney.
Goodwin started at the Swans this season as the director of coaching and performance after he was sacked by Melbourne.
The premiership-winning head coach’s departure was part of a fresh reset at the club with the likes of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca also moving on.
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Goodwin had to deal with messy board and administration departures along with reports around a poor club culture.
Simon Goodwin during his time at Melbourne. AFL Photos via Getty Images
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Goodwin spoke openly about his new role and why he took it up.
“For me, it was about staying in coaching,” he said.
“Coaching’s what I love. I love high performance. I love the competitive nature of it. I love the challenge of being in an environment that’s difficult and trying to create success. I didn’t want to miss that.
“But I also wanted to make sure I was in an environment that was unique and different. And Sydney no doubt brings that: the lifestyle, but also the culture that the club has was just so appealing to come and be a part of.”
Goodwin went on to admit that “at some stage” he thinks the urge to be the boss will return.
“I’m enjoying just taking a step back and looking at coaching holistically, and working with a young senior coach in Coxy (Dean Cox). I really love that – but I’m sure that urge will come at some stage,” he said.
Simon Goodwin in Sydney kit. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“In the meantime, it’s certainly not at the forefront of my mind. I want to get better myself and keep enjoying what I’m doing here. I love to Swans and I want to do something pretty unique and special here first.”
The 49-year-old spoke about the difficulties around his time at Melbourne where the expectations heightened after premiership success.
Ultimately, Goodwin fell victim to the intense scrutiny around the job and admitted “the hardest thing” was how it impacted his family.
“You sort of bring it home a little bit, but I wouldn’t take it back for anything,” he said.
“There’s an intensity in our industry that’s really, really high. That’s not changing. That’s a big part of what you love about our game as well. When you’re going well, there’s a lot of praise. When you’re not going well, there’s a lot of criticism.”