Melbourne have sacked 2021 premiership winning coach Simon Goodwin, the club confirmed on Tuesday morning.
According to the Herald Sun, Goodwin was informed by the club on Monday evening. He was in the Dees' job since 2017, his tenure spanning almost nine seasons for a win-loss record of 111-90-1.
Since winning the 2021 flag -- the club's first since 1964 -- the Demons have failed to win a final, going out in straight sets in 2022 and 2023 despite boasting a talented list. They missed finals in 2024, and have slumped to a 7-13 record this season.
Goodwin was contracted until the end of 2026.
In a statement, Melbourne president Brad Green thanked the outgoing Goodwin for his contributions and achievements in his time in the top job.
"Goody should be incredibly proud of what he's achieved at the Melbourne Football Club," Green said.
"To take a group of players and help shape them into a Premiership team is something only four other AFL coaches have achieved within the history of the club.
"He has given absolutely everything, not just as a coach, but as a person and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the red and blue.
"On behalf of the entire club, I want to thank Simon, his wife Kris, and their family for everything they have given to Melbourne. We wish them nothing but the best for the future.
"While decisions like this are never easy, the Board and I believe that now is the right time for a new voice to lead our AFL playing group and program forward."
Speaking on radio, club legend Garry Lyon said he was "stunned" and "shocked" at the news.
"Stunned, shocked. Totally shocked. I've had no heads up on this whatsoever," he said on SEN on Tuesday morning.
"I thought there would be a long review at the end of this year and then determined whether he could coach out the final year of his contract.
"Premiership coaches are rare at Melbourne, he's one of four, he will be a hero of this football club forever and a day, but that obviously doesn't guarantee tenure."
The news comes barely a week after Goodwin said he felt "incredibly supported by the board", following a meeting with powerbrokers in the wake of the after-the-siren loss to St Kilda.
The Demons have endured a horror 24 months on and off the field, with the mismanagement of Christian Petracca's broken ribs, lacerated spleen, and punctured lung injuries a major sticking point, as was Clayton Oliver's personal issues.
The club's culture was also brought into question, with Goodwin himself denying drug use in an interview late in 2023.
Experienced available coaches include former Swans boss John Longmire, former West Coast coach Adam Simpson, and ex-Pies coach Nathan Buckley, among a raft of candidated currently assistants at the Demons and elsewhere.
The move to dismiss Goodwin means the club will have to pay out up to $1 million, according to reports.
Melbourne have confirmed Troy Chaplin will step into the role of interim senior coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.