Goodwin deal will lift Dees

MAX Gawn says Melbourne wants to establish a sustained period of finals success as coach Simon Goodwin closes in on a two-year contract extension.

Brownlow contender Gawn yesterday paid tribute to Goodwin as an elite match-day coach and “dad” of the young playing group as Melbourne’s succession plan hit paydirt.

Goodwin is set to win an extension past his current term to 2019, locking him in until 2021 as the Demons marched into their first preliminary final since 2000.

Collingwood’s own succession plan with Nathan Buckley has also finally been vindicated as the Pies look to secure their own coach with a summer contract extension.

Collingwood’s new-look board will follow a rigorous process but a man who has fought to save his job for several seasons now has a new-found power base.

Buckley is contracted until the end of next year but can expect to win a contract extension of at least a year and likely two before next season starts.

Collingwood and Melbourne will also cash in on their status as power Melbourne clubs playing exciting football with young and marketable stars.

Both can expect a huge boost in Thursday and Fridaynight football after Melbourne secured only a single Fridaynight clash this year, an away clash against Port Adelaide.

Collingwood secured only three Friday-night clashes in 2018 and can expect a big uplift given its form and marketable faces, including Jordan De Goey, Brodie Grundy and high-flying Jeremy Howe.

Gawn yesterday said the Demons were determined not to be a flash in the pan, and he was thrilled Goodwin was set to be at the club long-term.

“You really can’t imagine life without Goody at the moment. I have had seven coaches in my short career. He is a super person and a real dad of this group. He loves his players and he is a really good gameday coach. I don’t think he will be going anywhere.

“We can start looking ahead, which is rare for this club. If the contract comes, it comes, but we all think Goody is going to be here for a long time. We really want to build a club that sustains success. We are living a rollercoaster at the moment and Melbourne is in the finals for the first time in a while but this is what we want to do, this is what we are building, this is what the hard work has been about.”