Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell jailed over contempt of court charges
Pannell, who until recently had several warrants out for his arrest and dodged court hearings for months, is being pursued by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping, after being accused of ripping the company off in a decade-long $8.7 million fraud scheme.
Earlier this month, the 48-year-old pleaded guilty to six contempt of court charges at the Victorian Supreme Court, including failing to comply with his obligation to make asset disclosure affidavits pursuant to a freezing order and selling shares in a racehorse, Aimee's Jewel, to a friend, Maree Wilke, while the freezing order was imposed.
On Wednesday, Justice Andrew Watson sentenced Pannell to 11 weeks' jail, 54 days of which he has already served in custody, meaning he will walk free in less than month.
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Watson said Pannell had expressed remorse over his behaviour and struggled with mental health issues, but the former umpire had shown little insight into the seriousness of his conduct.
'Mr Pannell's culpability is high,' Watson said. 'There is a need for general deterrence and denunciation in the sentence I pass, in order to deter others from similarly breaching the court's orders.'
The court heard that Pannell had told Wilke what to say to lawyers and fraudulently signed her name on paperwork to create a 'false narrative' that the horse was sold to her for only $6000 last year.
'Pannell's contempts were serious and showed disregard for the court order,' Watson said.
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The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Disturbing evolution': man charged after vapes laced with synthetic opioids
A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes. In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape. Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said. "Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said. "By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said. "This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on." The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions. He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege. The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said. The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials. "It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said. Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found. Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash. The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24. "This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said. "You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said. "If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. "The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others." NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug. "We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said. "It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said. "Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey. "If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. "It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. "Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA." A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes. In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape. Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said. "Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said. "By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said. "This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on." The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions. He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege. The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said. The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials. "It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said. Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found. Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash. The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24. "This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said. "You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said. "If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. "The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others." NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug. "We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said. "It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said. "Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey. "If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. "It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. "Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA." A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes. In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape. Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said. "Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said. "By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said. "This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on." The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions. He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege. The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said. The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials. "It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said. Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found. Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash. The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24. "This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said. "You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said. "If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. "The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others." NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug. "We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said. "It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said. "Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey. "If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. "It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. "Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA." A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes. In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape. Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said. "Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said. "By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said. "This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on." The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions. He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege. The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said. The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials. "It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said. Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found. Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash. The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24. "This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said. "You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said. "If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. "The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others." NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug. "We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said. "It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said. "Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey. "If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. "It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. "Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA."
Courier-Mail
17 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
AFL news: Adam Hunter's partner Latisha Yacoub shares harrowing final moments of West Coast great's life
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The partner of former West Coast Eagles champion Adam Hunter has detailed his harrowing final moments and how she tried to save the drug-addicted star's life on their bedroom floor. Hunter was found unresponsive just after midnight in early February, with a coronial inquiry later revealing meth-induced heart failure as the cause of his death. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. His partner, Latisha Yacoub, who is a registered nurse, revealed she gave CPR to the 43-year-old and desperately pleaded with him to stay with her as she tried in vain to save his life. 'I was screaming at him to keep his eyes open,' she told The West Australian, recalling the night of February 5. 'He was looking at me. He couldn't move anything except his head. I said, 'Just don't die on me'. That was the last time he looked at me, and then he closed his eyes, and I started CPR.' Ms Yacoub says she was of the belief Hunter had taken meth in the hours before his death. And the WA Coroner indicated that Hunter's drug use had ultimately exacerbated his heart complications and coronary artery disease. Never miss the latest sports news from Australia and around the world — download the app direct to your phone. Adam Hunter's partner Latisha Yacoub has revealed the Eagles great's harrowing final moments. Image: Supplied/Getty Yacoub first met Hunter as a teenager, but after drifting apart, they reconnected in 2022, and the couple were eager to make it work. According to The West Australian, Yacoub had just returned from Bali with her children and had an argument with the Eagles great about the need for him to turn his life around in the hours before his death. Yacoub recalled Hunter told her he 'really wanted to make things work' and promised 2025 would be their year. But then that night, she heard a noise as she was putting contact on her kids' school books ahead of the new school year. West Coast pay tribute to Adam Hunter Video Player is loading. Play Video This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. X Learn More Loaded : 0.00% 0:00 Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 00:06 SUBSCRIBER ONLY West Coast pay tribute to Adam Hunter more held... more a minute silence before training for Adam Hunter after the 2006 premiership player passed away on Wednesday. West Coast Eagles players and staff... ... more When she ran into the bedroom to see what it was, Yacoub saw her partner on the ground, foaming at the mouth and immediately thought he must have overdosed. 'I was screaming, 'What have you done, what have you done? ' I lifted his head up and I screamed at him to open his eyes. I kept asking what he had done so I knew what I was dealing with. 'He opened his eyes. I said I was calling the ambulance and he shook his head because he had always said he never wanted to wind up in hospital if something went wrong. Adam Hunter played 151 games for West Coast (Photo by) Adam Hunter is considered an Eagles legend, thanks to his iconic celebration after kicking the grand final winning goal in 2006. (Photo by) 'I said, 'I don't care, I need help because I don't know what you have done'. I asked him to lift his arms and his legs. He had no motor response, no verbal response. 'My eldest was on the phone to the ambulance. I didn't stop CPR. My son said Adam was turning blue. I knew he had gone. He had turned really blue. And then he turned bloodshot purple.' Hunter played 151 games for West Coast and was etched into the club's history books after kicking the club's final goal of their 2006 Grand Final triumph, with his goal celebration becoming an iconic moment not just in Eagles history, but in the AFL. He backed up his 29-goal 2006 season with another top year in 2007, finishing second in the club's best and fairest. But injuries in the years to come would tragically lead to his early retirement at the end of 2009. Originally published as Adam Hunter's partner shares harrowing final moments of West Coast great's life
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Premiership window slammed shut for Goodwin after '21
The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell. The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell. The AFL premiership window always looks at the time like it's built on a rock-solid structure. But the foundations can quickly turn to sand. Just ask Simon Goodwin's old club Adelaide, who are finally back in contention after paying a fearful price for 40 minutes of bad football in the 2017 grand four years ago Melbourne fans consoled themselves in the afterglow of their 57-year premiership drought ending, but in bittersweet circumstances. Sure, it wasn't ideal the grand final was played on the other side of the country because of COVID-19 restrictions. But with a list boasting Gawn, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Lever, May, Jackson, Brayshaw and Pickett, it was surely only a matter of time before they'd be running a lap of their spiritual MCG home with the premiership cup. Instead, the MCG was Tuesday's venue for the press conference where the diabolical Demons explained the decision to sack Goodwin as coach. What looked like the next premiership dynasty started unravelling spectacularly on February 8, 2022. That was when leaked documents were first published, outlining concerns over off-field issues at Melbourne before their triumphant 2021 season. Goodwin featured prominently in the reporting and then-president Kate Roffey was strident in her defence of him. Goodwin would also strongly deny rumours about illicit drugs. But it also quickly emerged that Roffey's predecessor Glen Bartlett, who left the club suddenly in April, 2021, was not going quietly. He would eventually sue club board members, alleging defamation, with the matter finally settled out of court in November last year. When that settlement was announced, the club again strongly refuted "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that had been investigated while Bartlett was president. On the field, Melbourne started their premiership defence well with a 10-game winning streak to open the 2022 season. But soon after that streak ended, it emerged teammates Steven May and Jake Melksham had a fight outside a Melbourne restaurant. Melbourne finished the regular season in second spot, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets. They would do the same in 2023 and have not looked like top-eight contenders since. At the end of the '22 season, grand-final hero Luke Jackson was traded to Fremantle and Brodie Grundy took his place as the back-up ruckman to captain Max Gawn. After just one season, Grundy went to Sydney. The '23 qualifying-final loss to Collingwood was the last game for Angus Brayshaw, one of the Demons' most important players, who ultimately had to retire because of concussion issues. Also in '23, star onballer Clayton Oliver was out for an extended period because of injury. As that season ended, it emerged Oliver had significant off-field issues - at one stage he was rushed to hospital because of a medical episode - and Melbourne considered trading him. Geelong courted Oliver again in the '24 off-season, but he stayed at Melbourne. Shortly after the '23 season ended, defender Joel Smith was banned after testing positive to cocaine. He was later accused of trafficking the drug. As rumours swirled in October '23, Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert gave a radio interview where he declared their club culture was the best he'd seen in 40 years of football. The next big hit came in March last year, when federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to allege Melbourne had tested players "off the books" to avoid the league's anti-illicit drugs regime. On the field, as Melbourne's season spluttered, star onballer Christian Petracca suffered serious injuries in a collision during the blockbuster King's Birthday clash with Collingwood. The injuries were life-threatening and, as Petracca recovered, there was rampant speculation he could leave Melbourne. He stayed, but Roffey went days after a train-wreck radio interview in September where she was asked about Petracca's future. Shortly after her departure, Pert also left. For much of this year, the Demons have had an interim president and CEO. At Tuesday's media conference, Goodwin referenced the need for stability. He also made mention the Demons still don't have one club headquarters - and that he will not miss the long drive to their training base at outer-suburban Casey. For all the glory of 2021, the aftermath at the Demons has been hell.
