MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin took the opportunity to address his side’s supporters on Monday night, as the club put a full stop on its 2019 campaign.
At the Demons’ Best and Fairest ceremony, Goodwin took to the stage to share an important message on the back of what was a bitterly disappointing season.
“At the start of 2019, we entered the season with a supporter base, once again, believing in their team,” Goodwin said.
“We had the football community finally respecting the Melbourne Football Club.
“It wasn’t based on hope – it was based on the performances they had seen.
“The Demon Army was once again believing that just maybe, just maybe, this might be our year.
“Fast forward 23 weeks and we had got it all wrong.
“We had once again sent the demon throng back into hell – a position our supporters have experienced far too often.
“A position quite honestly that makes me feel sick in the guts.
“For that, we apologise.”
Just 12 months after a Preliminary Final berth, the Demons found themselves sitting 17th on the ladder, with just five wins to their name.
It was a season no one could have foreseen, and one Goodwin is prepared to take full responsibility for.
“2019 is a year that we will own as coaches and players,” he said.
“We know that we’ve let you down and we’ve let each other down.
“We faced a new set of challenges this year, and every single person in this room has wrestled with the expectation to reach them.”
Goodwin understands the pain of the fans, and says the entire football department shares their frustration.
“Together, we have battled, and individually, we may have struggled,” he said.
“As difficult as the year has been for the players, there is no doubt of the ripple effect that flows onto the players’ partners, families and friends.
“We know you ride every bump with us and I wanted to thank and acknowledge you for your support and care throughout the year.”
The Demons will kick off their pre-season when they return to the club in November as they look to begin their preparations for a big 2020 season.
