Melbourne and Simon Goodwin have denied any and all claims made against them by former club president Glen Bartlett and his partner Vicki Laspas.
Bartlett served as Melbourne's club president from 2013 until his sudden departure in April 2021. He was replaced by the current club president, Kate Roffey.
Since his departure, Bartlett has been continuously against the Demons, making claims against both the club and Goodwin. The latest allegations against Goodwin were revealed on Wednesday by Bartlett's partner Laspas, making claims about the Demons coach regarding his poor behaviour. The claims have been unsubstantiated and denied by both the club and the coach.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the club defended Goodwin and denied any claims made by Bartlett and his partner.
"The Board are unanimous and united in their support of Simon Goodwin and are dismayed that he and his family will need to again endure this attempt to undermine his outstanding reputation as a Club leader," said the club.
Melbourne has also responded to a Worksafe complaint from Laspas, providing any documentation they have to refute the claims against them.
"In regard to the Worksafe complaint made by Ms Laspas, the Club has responded to Worksafe's requests for documentation. This includes providing documents and proof that contradict and refute claims made by Ms Laspas," the club continued.
"At no point has Ms Laspas been a volunteer or employee of the Club.
"Over the last two years, Mr Bartlett and his partner Ms Laspas have continued to make accusations about Club leaders that are baseless."
Speaking in his mid-week press conference on Thursday, Goodwin responded to the claims made against him, calling them "absolute rubbish".
“I just can't give it the energy people want me to. It's not something I get too concerned with. I've got a footy team to worry about," said Goodwin.
“It's disappointing to be brought up but I've learned over time what I give energy to. The best thing I give energy to is my players and my team. That's all I'm really worried about.
“These distractions will occur … it's sad in a lot of ways. I've learned to deal with it … it's irrelevant to me.
“It's been no different in the last 48 hours.”
Goodwin has been the senior coach of the Demons since 2017, coaching a total of 148 games. He coached his side to a premiership in 2021, the year of Bartlett's departure.