The Best 5 Coaching Candidates For the Melbourne Demons Job

After parting ways with longtime senior coach Simon Goodwin, the Melbourne Demons now face a defining moment. With a talented list still capable of contending and a fanbase desperate for stability and success, the next appointment could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come. The conversation starts now, who will take the reins in 2026 and lead the Dees back to premiership contention?

Here are the 5 best coaching candidates for the job, plus some honourable mentions who could play a role in Melbourne’s next chapter.

Simon Goodwin in todays press conference

1. John Longmire

   Horse is an incredible option for the Demons to sought after, as one of the greatest coaches of the modern era. The man is defined by balanced and composed footballing style, and that is everything the Demons have been screaming out for.

   During different stages of this tenure, his Swans adapted from a defensive juggernaut, to a fast paced offensive whiplashed, and that depicts Longmire’s foundational ability to adapt his game plan. He has endured many changes across his playing list and the rules of the game, but he has stood as a measured and calm leader throughout.

   Can he produce and adapt a style that could bring Melbourne back to the pinnacle, that cannot be determined, but he undoubtedly is one of the right guys for the job.

   

   Can John Longmire bring the Dees back to being relevant?

2. Adam Simpson

   To ignore a decade long tenure of experience would be ludicrous, and Simpson offers premiership experience for the Demons who are striving to return to the promise land.

   The fascinating aspect of Simpson’s coaching style was the ability to intercept the football, which was trademarked by Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern. With Steven May, Jake Lever and a rejuvenated Daniel Turner in defense, could a similar notion be passed on to the Demons with Simpson at the Helm.

   The question mark surrounds the list profile at the Demons in the modern day that has lacked any efficiency in comparison to his West Coast Eagles. A kick mark style of football that is characterised by efficiency going inside 50 sounds like a miracle too distant away to Melbourne Demons fans and people.

   

   Can Adam Simpson handle the pressure of another potential rebuild?

3. Ken Hinkley

   Ken Hinkley’s resume’ at Port Adelaide as their longest tenured coach in history from 2013 until his departure at the end of the 2025 season is sensational. Although not reaching the penultimate glory, Hinkley is a footballing mastermind and has a knack to get the best out of his players.

   The Demon’s would enjoy his typical style of play, based on contested football, high-pressure with a forward half focus. This style screams Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Max Gawn, but with that being said, others will need to lift and adapt.

   Repeat entries are all well and good, but for this side that has struggled perennially going inside 50, Hinkley may not be the answer.

   

   After being Moved on from Port Adelaide, Does Ken register his interest for 2026?

4. Troy Chaplin

   Troy Chaplin has quietly been building a strong case as Melbourne’s next senior coach, spending multiple years underneath Simon Goodwin as a trusted assistant. A key figure in the club’s 2021 premiership coaching staff, Chaplin is already deeply embedded in the fabric of the Demons.

   Well-known and well-respected within the club, he brings continuity, tactical knowledge, and strong existing relationships with players and staff. His familiarity with the inner workings of the club makes him a natural successor, especially at a time when stability is needed.

   Taking over from Goodwin for the remainder of the 2025 season, Chaplin now has a live audition for the top job — and a chance to prove he can lead, not just assist. With the Demons already having lost key assistants in Adam Yze and Andrew McQualter in recent seasons, there will be real hesitation to let another respected voice walk out the door.

   

   Already strong ties with Melbourne, do they look within or go for a outside option?

5. Mark "Choco" Williams

   Mark Williams is one of the most respected minds in the AFL and carries an outstanding coaching resume. Best known for leading Port Adelaide to their first-ever AFL premiership in 2004, Williams has also made a major impact in key assistant roles at several clubs.

   After Port, he played a foundational role at GWS during their formative years, helping establish the culture and development pathways that set the club up for future success. Later, he joined Richmond as Head of Development just before their premiership era, contributing significantly to building the standards and player growth that would fuel their dominance.

   Since arriving at Melbourne in 2020, Williams has been central to the Demons’ rise, particularly behind the scenes in their 2021 premiership year. Known for his intensity, attention to detail, and passion for player development, he’s earned serious respect within the four walls of the club.

   If he was willing to return to a senior coaching position, Williams would be a natural fit at Melbourne and a proven leader who already knows the players, the culture, and what it takes to win.

   

   Will Melbourne ask the question or leave him in his current role?

   Melbourne face a huge decision that could shape the club’s future for years to come. While some of the top candidates bring proven experience and others offer strong ties to the club’s culture, the Demons will need to choose carefully to ensure sustained success. If they look beyond these main options, honourable mentions like Nathan Buckley, Nathan Jones, James Hird, Chris Newman, Corey Enright, and Justin Leppitsch are all respected assistant coaches who could provide strong leadership and help guide Melbourne back to contention.