Bartlett settles legal actions against Demons, AFL

Friday's announcement in a statement from the AFL that Bartlett had called off his defamation proceedings against the league came a day after he ended his legal action against the Demons.

The developments follow weeks of mediation between Bartlett and Melbourne, where high-profile lawyer Leon Zwier has emerged as a key broker.

The AFL praised Bartlett for his eight-year tenure as club president, which ended in April 2021.

Bartlett and his partner Victoria Laspas said they were happy to have resolved all legal disputes.

"We would like to acknowledge the key role (AFL chief executive) Andrew Dillon played in bringing the parties together to achieve a result through his leadership where we can now all focus on the future," Bartlett said.

"I look forward to working with Andrew, his colleagues and the broader AFL community in the future."

Thursday's announcements involving Bartlett, Melbourne and Goodwin, represent two major steps forward for the embattled AFL club as it tries to end more than 12 months of turbulence on and off the field.

Allegations linking coach Simon Goodwin to illicit drug use were refuted by Melbourne and Bartlett. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

In 2022, Bartlett initiated the legal action against members of the club board, following comments about the end of his presidency.

The Demons, Bartlett and Laspas released a joint statement late on Thursday night which said in part: "Individual recollections and perspectives can differ and lead to many feeling aggrieved. The parties recognise that the last three years of dispute have been a difficult and stressful time for all and acknowledge that the matter could have been handled differently.

"All parties are sorry for the hurt that has been caused.

"The board acknowledges and thanks Glen for the important role he played as president ... Glen is proud of the improvements he introduced to the club as president."

The statement went on to address "serious allegations" about Goodwin and social drug use that were investigated while Bartlett was president.

"It was found that the allegations were false and had no basis in fact," the statement said.

"These allegations have caused enormous hurt and pain for Simon and his family for which all parties are deeply sorry.

"This brings these matters to an end for all time. Simon Goodwin is a highly regarded and respected Demons premiership coach."

The allegations became public in the wake of Goodwin coaching the Demons to their drought-breaking 2021 flag.

On-field, the Demons missed the top eight this season after straight-sets exits from the 2022 and '23 finals series.

Ongoing speculation has swirled about the future of star onballer Clayton Oliver at the club.

The future of fellow midfielder Christian Petracca was also uncertain after his season-ending injuries this year, before he re-committed.

Angus Brayshaw, another key player, retired prematurely before the start of the season due to concussion issues.

Since the end of Melbourne's season, Bartlett's successor Kate Roffey and chief executive Gary Pert have resigned.