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Melbourne skipper Max Gawn has declared his club won’t “start in the negative” this year, claiming a mindset change and critical pre-season camp had set the foundation for the team flip its fortunes.
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After three consecutive top-four finishes – including the 2021 flag – the Demons were one of the shock 2024 sliders, finishing in 14th spot on the ladder – albeit with an 11-12 record and percentage of 98.5.
It came amid serious questions over the club’s culture and trade speculation surrounding superstar duo Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, who ultimately opted to remain at the club.
But the Demons this summer have placed an emphasis on player connection, with leadership coach Ben Crowe brought in to help facilitate the mindset approach.
“The fact we had someone external and we went away to Bright, which made it more unique being in a different place. We got some really good people who got up and told some good home truths and some good stories … the stuff off the field is really exciting,” Gawn told The Age.
“To be able to start (the year) on an even playing field and even potentially with a positive, given what we have delved into in this space would put us ahead of some groups in this space, then our footy can do the talking.
“We don’t have to start in the negative and clean up what is happening off the field while trying to play competitive footy against sides better than us both (on and off the field).”
Fellow Demons leader Jack Viney told the Herald Sun coach Simon Goodwin declared completing a 2km time trial at the start of the Bright camp “probably wasn’t what we needed as a group”, instead bringing in Crowe to help the playing group focus on perspective and communication.
“Typically, you come back day one of pre-season and you can be straight into time trials and that sort of stuff, but I think it is why ‘Goody’ is such a good coach,” Viney told the Herald Sun.
“I think over the course of history, if you looked, all of the successful teams – you see the connection and the bond created.
“It is almost the number one thing. Without that there is not much point in doing too much else.”
Viney said there were “robust” but healthy discussions held among Demons players at the camp that had given the group “optimism about what we are able to achieve”.
“I’m really thankful we had these conversations which, at the time, can be challenging but I think when you come out the other end of it, you come away optimistic and really excited about the future of the footy club,” he said.
Gawn suggested Goodwin, who comes out of contract at the end of 2026, had returned to training with a noticeable “edge”.
“He’s (Goodwin) been open to feedback. He has given us some feedback. He’s got married and since his wedding – he must have had some time to think in Bali – he has come back with a bit of an edge,” Gawn said. “He has got his competitive voice back, and he’s back into training and he’s yelling. It’s good.”
