Melbourne captain Max Gawn has backed coach Simon Goodwin’s post-game comments after their 59-point loss to North Melbourne on Sunday.

Speaking to the media after the game, Goodwin defended Gawn, saying that there can be a “backstory” to someone’s performance.

“I’m not going to go into the details but … there’s footy and there’s some stuff in life which you’ve got to understand that people have backstories and he’s someone that we love dearly and he’ll certainly be a big part of our response.”

The comments sparked an immediate interest, with reports emerging that Melbourne officials were shocked by Goodwin alluding to a potential off-field issue hampering Gawn’s performance. The controversy adds to a disastrous 12 months for the Demons.

Gawn then appeared on Triple M’s Mick in The Morning on Tuesday morning to diffuse the situation.

“I am ok. There’s an illness in the family that’s been [there] … for about 24 months to be honest,” he said. “I’m in a really good spot and so is the family member at this point.”

Gawn defended his coach, saying there were no issues between the two after the comments made at the press conference. “We spoke a lot yesterday and we speak every single day and there’s no issue with me and Goody.”

Gawn said he could “clearly” see what his coach was doing during the post-game press conference. “He is a father-figure for me in showing love and showing care, I appreciate that.”

The Demons will next play Gold Coast at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Photo: by [Flickerd] found HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.