MELBOURNE has announced former Adelaide superstar Simon Goodwin as Paul Roos’ coaching successor.



Goodwin has signed a five-year deal, as a senior assistant to Roos for 2015-16, before he takes over as Melbourne’s senior coach for 2017-19.



The 37-year-old former Adelaide superstar played 275 matches from 1997-2010, with only Andrew McLeod (340 games), Tyson Edwards (321), Mark Ricciuto (312), Ben Hart (311) and Nigel Smart (278) playing more for the Crows.



Since 2011, Goodwin has been an assistant coach with Essendon and has become a highly regarded coaching prospect.



He has already coached one AFL match, filling in as Essendon coach in round 23, 2013.



Goodwin, a dual premiership player with Adelaide in 1997-98, captained the Crows from 2008-10.



After starting his career as a defender, he became one of the AFL’s best midfielders in the 2000s – and one of the game’s best players of the modern era.



A five-time All-Australian in 2000-01, 2005-06 and 2009, Goodwin also won the Malcolm Blight Medal – Adelaide’s best and fairest award – three times in 2000 and 2005-06.



He also finished runner-up in Adelaide’s club champion award in 2007-08 and third in 2009.



Goodwin was also named the AFL Coaches Association player of the year in 2006.



In 2000-01, he represented Australia against Ireland in the International Rules series and in 2008 he played for the Dream Team against Victoria.



He also won the Michael Tuck Medal in 2006.



Before his stellar AFL career, Goodwin was also a talented cricketer and was co-captain of the South Australian under-19 team.