Melbourne Football Club has responded to allegations of misconduct made against coach Simon Goodwin by the partner of the club’s former president, labelling them “unsubstantiated, historical and outrageous accusations”.
The Herald Sun reported on Tuesday WorkSafe Victoria has launched a probe into the Demons’ boardroom dispute concerning the controversial departure of former Demons president Glen Bartlett in April 2021.
According to the publication, documents released by the Supreme Court of Western Australia detail claims made by Bartlett’s fiancee Vicki Laspas that Bartlett was “dealing with information provided to him concerning Goodwin’s alleged drug use and gambling … among other issues … in about late 2020 and early 2021”.
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Laspas detailed one alleged incident at the MCG after the 2019 AFL grand final claiming Goodwin was “arm in arm with a woman … who was not his wife … and with another couple I did not know, incoherent and appeared to me to be affected by either alcohol or some other substance.”. Read the full Herald Sun report here.
Goodwin has reportedly engaged a top defamation litigator Rebekah Giles and has continued to deny claims of behavioural issues.
The Demons released a statement on Wednesday strongly refuting the latest allegations.
“The untested and unproven claims were made by Ms Laspas in a statement she prepared to support her partner, Mr Bartlett, in legal proceedings that were discontinued by him,” the statement read.
“The views expressed by Ms Laspas are her recollection of historical events and are in direct contrast with the recollections of the Melbourne Football Club Board.
“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.”
The Herald Sun has previously reported the Melbourne board had discussed the possibility of firing Goodwin, amid disagreements between Bartlett and senior club figures on how to handle the situation.
WorkSafe Victoria reportedly visited the club two weeks ago seeking access to papers and the club said it had “responded to Worksafe’s requests for documentation.
“This includes providing documents and proof that contradict and refute claims made by Ms Laspas.”
