Demons Down but Not Out: Goodwin Confronts Melbourne's Form Slump After Essendon Loss
It was a night to forget for Melbourne fans as the Demons went down to Essendon in Round 5 of the 2025 AFL season, and coach Simon Goodwin didn’t shy away from calling it what it was—a reality check. In his post-match press conference, Goodwin acknowledged the gravity of the situation, admitting, “We’re in a challenging spot right now, and we acknowledge that.” It was a refreshingly honest assessment from a coach who knows expectations are high for a side that’s been a consistent finals threat in recent seasons.
The game itself was packed with moments that highlighted Essendon’s hunger and Melbourne’s current vulnerability. From the opening bounce, the Bombers brought the pressure and intensity, forcing turnovers and capitalising on Melbourne's mistakes. Melbourne, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm, looking disjointed and reactive rather than composed and in control.
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Essendon’s Sam Draper brought the crowd to their feet with a towering speccy over Max Gawn, a moment that perfectly symbolised the shift in momentum and belief on the field. And while Kysaiah Pickett tried to ignite the Dees with a trademark goal, it was clear the team lacked the collective spark needed to wrest control back.
Goodwin, when asked about the performance, didn’t sugarcoat it. He spoke about the need to regroup, reflect, and ultimately respond. “This is a period that will define our character,” he said. “We’re not going to shy away from the fact that we’re off our best. The key now is sticking together and doing the work.”
It’s not the first time Melbourne has faced adversity under Goodwin’s leadership, but the context this time feels heavier. Injuries, inconsistent form, and perhaps even mental fatigue seem to be weighing on the group. But with a long season ahead, the message from the coach is clear: there's still time, but the clock is ticking.
For now, it’s back to the drawing board, but if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that Goodwin and his side won’t go down without a fight.
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