Neil Mitchell’s personal plea to Melbourne after bombshell allegations

Neil Mitchell has issued a personal plea to Melbourne Football Club in the wake of revelations the club considered standing down coach Simon Goodwin on the eve of the 2021 premiership season.

The Herald Sun reports bombshell leaked emails and memos from the club show Goodwin was confronted about his behaviour — including allegations of bullying and gambling — which were so serious that AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan got involved.

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Lifelong Demons supporter, Neil Mitchell, says details about the allegations must be made “fully public”.

“I reckon every Melbourne supporter would agree – sort it! Fix it! Issues like this have got a habit of derailing clubs if they’re not properly handled. This must not be allowed to derail Melbourne,” the 3AW Mornings host said.

“I’ve got no idea what happened behind the scenes but I’ve been around footy clubs long enough to know that what happened behind the scenes can influence what happens on the field.

“This must become fully public. We need a full public disclosure from the club, from the club president, from the chief executive, from the coach himself. We need to be told what happened and why it is sorted.

“These things fester if they’re kept private.

“Simon Goodwin has in the past very bravely exposed his personal problems to the players and the public — a tough upbringing, a gambling addiction. He needs to do that again, and the club needs to be unequivocal.

“They’ve got to get in front of this before it undermines confidence at the club and confidence in the club.”

3AW Mornings has contacted Melbourne Football Club president Kate Roffey and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Mitchell’s plea to the club

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