Melbourne captain Max Gawn has downplayed any potential rift between him and coach Simon Goodwin after it was hinted that the seven-time All-Australian was dealing with personal matters away from the field.

Following the 59-point loss to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, Goodwin made note of Gawn's performance being below par, but hinted at other factors for his down day against emerging ruckman Tristan Xerri.

"Our people are really important to us, and Max is one of those guys," Goodwin said. "Today he'll acknowledge that he got beaten by a really good opponent.

"But you've also got to realise that in life there are other things that are going on. So we'll support Max.

"You've got to understand people have backstories. He's someone we love dearly, and he'll certainly be a big part of our response."

Speaking on Triple M's Mick in the Morning, Gawn provided some context around Goodwin's comments.

"I am OK. There's an illness in the family, there has been for a while โ€“ about 24 months, to be honest," Gawn said.

"And I've put myself in a really good spot throughout that 24 months, to be honest โ€ฆ played some good footy, got some great people at the club, great people in my family, and I've turned up every single day ready to be a captain and player and turned up at home ready to be a husband and dad as well.

"I haven't hid behind itโ€ฆ I'm also free to talk about it throughout the club.

"I'm in a really good spot. And so is the family member at this point. It did sort of escalate over the last three or four weeks, but back to a steady state now."

Gawn denied any issue between him and Goodwin, saying he understood what the 2021 premiership coach was attempting to do.

"We spoke a lot yesterday โ€ฆ there's no issue with me and Goody," Gawn said.

"I can clearly see what he was trying to do โ€“ he was trying to show me love and support and I don't mind. I spoke to that family member yesterday. They don't mind. It's fine.

"I love that my coach loves me and it clearly shows that he cares. He's 100 per cent right. There is reasons behind performance.

"He is a father figure for me and he was showing love and showing care and I appreciate that."

Gawn finished Sunday's contest with 11 possessions, two marks, 27 hit-outs and one clearance. Xerri's dominance reigned supreme in person and on the stat sheet, recording 20 disposals, 29 hit-outs, 12 clearances and a goal.