The Melbourne Demons have responded to recent reports revealing claims of workplace bullying, gambling and drinking against senior coach Simon Goodwin.
A Herald Sun report released on Tuesday revealed leaked documents of a board review into Goodwin's behaviour, with CEO Gary Pert and former club president Glen Bartlett flagging critical discussions with the Crows great following the emergence of claims stating "unreasonable and repeated behaviour" had been prompted toward injured senior players.
The Demons have since looked to clear the air, expressing their support for the premiership coach, with president Kate Roffey releasing a club statement shortly after the report had surfaced.
"On behalf of the current board, I would like to make it incredibly clear that Simon Goodwin, as the current reigning premiership coach and AFL coach of the year, is an exceptional leader of our Football Club," the statement reads.
"Simon along with other club leaders Gary Pert and Alan Richardson have driven a high-performance culture that has led to a premiership and made my board and all Melbourne supporters proud of this club.
"I want to make this very clear, I look forward to Simon continuing to evolve as a coach and leader at the Melbourne Football Club for many more years to come."
Roffey acknowledged that a "thorough and professional" commissioned review took place late in 2020, with Pert having spoken to more than 40 people at the club.
Roffey added that the review led to personnel changes to the club's football department, with Goodwin's position as coach remaining intact.
"As has been widely publicised, at the conclusion at the 2020 home and away season the Melbourne Football Club Board commissioned a review of the Football Program which was conducted by CEO Gary Pert," Roffey states.
"The review was thorough and professional and resulted in many important personnel and program changes which set our club up for a record-breaking performance including our 13th premiership in 2021.
"As part of the review Gary spoke to over 40 people both internal and external to the club including players, coaches, and staff. All feedback and conversations were taken incredibly seriously and followed through using the club's standard governance processes.
"At the completion of the review process, the resulting recommendations were presented to the board at the time, and which were unanimously signed off and endorsed.
"The recommendations resulted in the club implementing many personnel and program changes across the Football Department including the coaching, high performance, and medical areas."
As noted in the Herald Sun report, Goodwin was made aware of claims made in regard to his behaviour, which he refused.
Roffey and the club have supported Goodwin's stance on the allegations, stating the 45-year-old is an "inclusive leader who is loved by the players, coaches and staff".
"Simon, like many others within the department, was given this feedback and embraced the opportunity it provided to evolve and improve as a coach," the club statement continued.
"During these feedback discussions, Simon totally rejected any accusations of bullying behaviour and as the Club President, I totally support Simon rejecting those accusations.
"Simon is an inclusive leader who is loved by the players, coaches and staff and goes out of his way to build genuine relationships throughout the football department and broader club."
Goodwin was appointed senior coach of the Demons following the 2017 season, taking over from Paul Roos through a planned handover.