The fallout from explosive revelations around the conduct of Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin has reached AFL House, with reports AFL boss Gillon McLachlan held a crisis meeting with the club in February 2021 – months after passing on concerns to the club.

The Herald Sun reports that McLachlan described Goodwin’s actions as ‘crazy’ and declared ‘you can’t be doing that s**t’, in relation to claims Goodwin was drinking and gambling while gathering with players at the Sorrento Hotel. Goodwin has also been accused of workplace bullying.

The AFL chief and league commission chairman Richard Goyder were briefed over allegations of serious misbehaviour from Goodwin in a crisis meeting on February 2, 2021, the Herald Sun reports.

Then-Demons President Glen Bartlett and club director Mohan Jesudason attended the online meeting with Goyder and McLachlan, who reportedly told the group he had previously shared information with then-Demons chief executive Gary Pert in late 2020 about the Sorrento Hotel activities.

“I know for a fact your coach is out drinking with players at the Sorrento pub – are you crazy? That doesn’t work,” McLachlan said.

“Hanging out with his players, drinking and betting – just the wrong behaviour. There has to be enough distance. You need to respect him and like him, don’t have to love him, but respect him. You can’t be doing that s**t. You have to make tough decisions. It doesn’t work.”

McLachlan reportedly gave his approval for Goodwin’s sacking, along with Pert’s if required.

Goodwin was confronted by the board a week after the meeting, but he allegedly denied there was a problem.