Melksham set to play on in 2024

[dazzledavey36 56,331]

Good news.

Just confirmed on afl.com.au 

Roos target pick one, Dee to go on, big Dog to stay

DEE TO GO ON

MELBOURNE veteran Jake Melksham is set to go on at the Demons next year after his knee reconstruction late this season.

The 32-year-old has been out of contract and an unrestricted free agent after going down with the season-ending knee injury in round 24 against Sydney and missing the Demons’ finals series.

But the popular forward is set to play on in 2024, with details still to be worked through around whether he will be senior or rookie-listed in the deal. The injury will likely see him sidelined until past midway through next season.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,289]

Good on him .... but a tough row to hoe you would think!

[DeeZone 10,589]

Who knows BBO he may add a bit of X factor in our 2024 finals campaign if Jake can get back in time.!!!

[old55 23,860]

Makes sense if we cycle him to the Rookie list

[Demons11 7,148]

👍deserved it 

[doc roet 1,302]

He's only just turned 32. He can be a class act when he's on. Those shots from the boundary are brilliant.

[The heart beats true 18,201]

Anyone know if he’s doing the standard ACL route, and what his timeline looks like?

[DeeSpencer 26,675]

We've got the list spots and would be paying him to rehab anyway. 

I see it as him being the assistant forwards coach and working closely with JVR and Jefferson. Joel Smith too. If he makes it back to play and can contribute that's a bonus. 

[Stiff Arm 4,420]

Happy about this, love what he brings to our forward line 

Won't cost a lot, financially or list wise, especially with the number of players retiring or leaving for opportunities elsewhere

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 5,690]

Unclear which way DL is trending in 2024 optimism atm, but this feels like a little up-tick ☝️

[Garbo 1,567]

Other than a feel good story not sure this helps, 32 yo fringe player coming off an acl trying to get into the side late next year at best. People already worried about Tmac and Ben Brown taking up spots on the list this will be a 3rd player who is unlikely to have any impact next year

[gs77 4,614]

Fantastic to hear!  I'd be delighted for him if he could get back to AFL fitness by the back end of next year. Him being in the wings would keep pressure on McAdams too should that trade eventuate. 

[hemingway 7,633]

16 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

We've got the list spots and would be paying him to rehab anyway. 

I see it as him being the assistant forwards coach and working closely with JVR and Jefferson. Joel Smith too. If he makes it back to play and can contribute that's a bonus. 

That makes sense. 

[Tracca 862]

absolutely love Melky but no ida why we would re sign the guy.... wont be playing. the only thing i can think of is it will be a chap soft cap inclusion as a Fwd line coach

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, Garbo said:

Other than a feel good story not sure this helps, 32 yo fringe player coming off an acl trying to get into the side late next year at best. People already worried about Tmac and Ben Brown taking up spots on the list this will be a 3rd player who is unlikely to have any impact next year

Can’t speak for everyone here but a feel good story is very welcome right about now. 

[Diamond_Jim 12,772]

There's a numbers $ issue somewhere. Not sure what it is

[Garbo 1,567]

9 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Can’t speak for everyone here but a feel good story is very welcome right about now. 

I’d feel much better if we were doing something towards improving our list. At an absolute best this is status quo 

[Deebauched 1,220]

1 hour ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Good on him .... but a tough row to hoe you would think!

Good news .  Surprised 'hoe' wasnt censored.  Amazing. Moderator must been on holiday.

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,547]

I like the idea of a fresh Melksham coming back into the side in round 19/20 and then being the potential finals X factor we were missing this year.

Collingwood had a bunch of blokes over 30 on Saturday that performed in a GF.

[BDA 23,048]

Tough ask to get back playing afl again after cruciate knee injury at his age. Definite feel good factor if he makes it 

[defuture15 902]

Fantastic news!

Also forward coach assistant.

Knows how to do it and others need his nous!

[DemonWA 3,941]

Good outcome. Glad we're not getting rid of all of the experience in the locker room all at once. 

[Watson11 2,252]

5 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Good outcome. Glad we're not getting rid of all of the experience in the locker room all at once. 

I’ve been on holiday. Are we getting rid of any of the experience in the locker room?  

[Lexinator 1,931]

Great morale boosting news! So important to the fabric of this club. Will be cheering hard for Milkshake to win a flag in '24! 

[Fork 'em 7,052]

Well we know one thing.
The Melk will give it all he's got.
Stood up during multiple big moments during the year and one of our best kicks for goal.
Not much competition on that front I know.