‘Refreshing’: Demons rethink goal-kicking approach

Oliver Caffrey | June 26, 2025

Melbourne are aiming to bring the fun back to goal-kicking after a season blighted by missed chances inside 50.

The Demons’ roller-coaster season will resume on Saturday when they travel to take on Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

In round three, Melbourne were destroyed by the Suns at the MCG in a performance that put serious heat on coach Simon Goodwin’s position.

After slumping to 0-5, Melbourne won five of their next six games, including a stunning road upset of reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba.

But before last week’s bye, the Demons lost three straight matches – kicking a combined 26.46 against St Kilda, Collingwood and Port Adelaide.

“We’re getting the quality of supply, now it’s about how we maximise those opportunities,” Goodwin said on Thursday.

“If you look across a bigger period, whether that be three, four, five years, our ability to convert is actually sitting OK.

“This year it’s not to the level, but it’s one of those things, the more you talk about goal-kicking, the worse you get. 

“It’s like putting for the golfers out there, that if you focus on something that’s a real outcome-based skill, sometimes you get worse. 

“So we’re going to take all that pressure away.”

The Lions, who are on track to play finals for a seventh straight season, have also struggled with their shots at goal.

But Brisbane remarkably turned it around last Friday night by beating Geelong at GMHBA Stadium for the first time in 22 years.

Lions players even discussed celebrating points as a way to take the pressure off kicking for goal.

“It’s a great mindset to have,” Goodwin said of the Lions’ approach.

“I look at that as refreshing.

“In such an outcome-based skill, sometimes you’ve got to just make sure that your processes are right, and get rid of all the anxiety. 

“Anxiety can create a pressure that’s not healthy.

“Everyone wants to kick goals, but the less you talk about it, sometimes, the better you get.”

Before being thrashed by 58 points earlier this year, Melbourne hadn’t lost against the Suns since 2014.

But Gold Coast are a far different proposition than previous years, with their midfield of Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller now one of the best in the AFL.

“They played an outstanding game last time we played,” Goodwin said.

“It was a really clear indicator that the Gold Coast Suns are a tough team, and they’re going places.”