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For those who are asking, McDonald has (contrary to some reports) already turned 18 so his recruitment is 100% legit.

Tyla is going to be hard to catch from here! Progressive after the end of the home and away season 150. Tyla Hanks 130. Kate Hore 85. Elizabeth McNamara 77. Maeve Chaplin 60. Tayla Harris 56. Megan Fitzsimon 52. Eden Zanker 46. Shelley Heath 17. Paxy Paxman Ryleigh Wotherspoon 16. Tahlia Gillard 15. Olivia Purcell 14. Sinead Goldrick 5. Lauren Pearce 4. Saraid Taylor 3. Blaithin Mackin 2. Maggie Mahony 1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir Jemma Rigoni

Are we ready? An overview Melbourne wrapped up the AFLW home and away season with a hard-fought 14-point win over Geelong at Kardinia Park. The result secured second place on the ladder with a 9–3 record and a home qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions next week. The closing stretch of games against Fremantle, Sydney, Brisbane, and Geelong has provided ideal finals preparation. There have been plenty of learnings, but whether Melbourne’s best can truly challenge the top teams remains to be seen. The Match In perfect conditions under a rising moon, the match began as an arm wrestle. Melbourne led by four points at half-time, but Geelong snatched the lead early in the third after a Lampard fumble led to a Bowen goal from a stoppage. Then came the Zanker show: a Hawkins-style ruck steal and snap over the shoulder, followed by a contested mark and goal in the square. Zanker’s brilliance lit the spark, and soon after, Tyla Hanks strolled into an open goal before Kate Hore added a ripsnorter dribbler — sensational finishes from our leaders. Melbourne piled on five goals in the third quarter, including one from Tayla Harris after the siren, effectively sealing the game. The final term saw a drop in intensity from the Dees, and the margin squeezed. The Cats were competitive throughout, andthe match served as a strong tune-up for finals footy next week. Match Moment A beautiful end-to-end play lit up the third quarter. Gally found Fitzsimon just outside scoring range. Fitzy paused, considered her options, then stepped back like a poker pro. Hearing a defender call for it, she released to fullback Tahlia Gillard, who streamed past and slotted her first AFLW goal. Teammates swarmed her in celebration. A moment to savour. Take ‘em when you can, Tahls! Meggs’ musings Melbourne didn’t look like a top-two side in the first half. The third quarter blitz was impressive, but the fade-out in the last was concerning. Meggs believes the workload is falling too heavily on a core group of 10–12 players. No passengers next week. A whole-team effort needed to secure victory. Marking under pressure was a concern, especially given the ideal conditions. The midfield battle was incredibly fierce, with Geelong’s Georgie Prespakis best afield (32 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 clearances). Bowen and Morrison also starred. Tyla Hanks was elite again, with 20 disposals, 11 tackles, and 519 metres gained. What a season she’s having. Good support again from Hore, Heater, Fitzy, Harris and Loz Pearce. Eliza McNamara was exhausted last week and not surprisingly quieter against Geelong. Use this week to freshen-up, Lize. Maggie Mahony brought heat with a career-high 15 disposals (9 contested), though composure remains a work-in-progress. Wotherspoon continues to impress and Mackin was busy working her way back to form. For the 75 game milestoners, Shelley Heath (20 disposals, 9 tackles, 6 clearances) was outstanding again, and while Sarah Lampard had a mixed night, she featured in the play-of-the-day. It was stirring to see the Cats and Dees players showing wonderful respect forming a guard of honour after the game for the retiring Cats trio Meg McDonald, Kate Darby, and ex-Dee Shelley Scott. Injury news Hore went down in the last quarter after clashing heads with teammate McNamara and underwent a post-match HIA. A collective sigh of relief — Kate Hore has been cleared to play next week. Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear praised Geelong’s pressure and was pleased with Melbourne’s overall season. “Our best is good enough to contend, but we’ll have to get stronger to challenge the best.” Dan Lowther acknowledged his team’s fight but lamented their inability to finish off work. He highlighted the elite skills of Zanker and Hore. Home qualifying final against Brisbane (details to be announced). Mick, please select our most competitive players next week. Go Dees. MELBOURNE 1.2.8 3.3.21 8.5.53 9.5.59 GEELONG 1.3.9 2.5.17 4.6.30 6.9.45 GOALS MELBOURNE Zanker 4 Gillard Hanks Harris Hore Wotherspoon GEELONG Bowen Morrison 2 Mason Moloney BEST MELBOURNE Hanks Harris Zanker Heath Chaplin Hore GEELONG Morrison Prespakis Kearns Bowen A McDonald INJURIES MELBOURNE Hore (head knock) GEELONG Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil GEELONG Nil UMPIRES Kayne Nund Luke Porter Alysha Ramsay CROWD 2,214 at GHMBA Stadium

This is the article from the Irish Examiner referred to in this article — Mayo prospect Kobe McDonald set to sign for AFL club

We’re aware of the news regarding Steven May’s recent charge by Victoria Police over an incident in December 2024. As per Demonland policy, there will be no discussion of any matter that is currently before the courts. While such matters are ongoing, there is a presumption of innocence, and we aim to protect all individuals from potentially libellous or prejudicial discussion. We understand that many members would prefer to engage in respectful and legally appropriate discussion on these types of topics. However, past experience has shown that threads of this nature too often devolve into areas that our moderation team does not have the time or expertise to properly manage. For these reasons, the decision has been made to disallow discussion of this matter until after the legal process has concluded. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation in upholding this policy. — The Demonland Moderation Team

Top-Four Machinations It’s been a season of grit, growth, and glimpses of brilliance—mixed with a few tough interstate lessons. Now, with finals looming, the Dees head to Kardinia Park for one last tune-up before the real stuff begins. Melbourne (3rd) takes on Geelong (12th) with top-four positioning on the line. The permutations are: • Win + North win = Melbourne finishes 2nd and hosts Brisbane (who will not lose to Collingwood) • Win + North lose = Melbourne finishes 3rd and plays Hawthorn • Lose = Melbourne finishes 4th and faces the rampaging Roos In any case, expect the Dees to play at IKON Park in Week One of finals. Simples. The weather gods are smiling: [15 degrees], dry, and a gentle breeze forecast for Saturday night. Perfect conditions to showcase the skills of two sides with plenty of flair. If you’re nearby, don’t miss the final tune-up. The Match-up Melbourne’s midfield machine will be tested by Geelong’s trio of Georgie Prespakis, Amy McDonald, and Nina Morrison—a mix of class, strength, and smarts. Expect Mick Stinear to send Shelley Heath to Prespakis for the classic Heater job—speed, pressure, and a firm ‘leave me alone’. Geelong’s Irish brigade adds flair and firepower. Aishling Moloney is a tall, athletic threat up forward, while Rachel Kearns and Kate Kenny bring grit and versatility. And then there’s ex-Dee Jacqui Parry—traded to the Cats after 22 games and 6 goals in red and blue. She’s found form in the hoops, now averaging over a goal a game. Melbourne’s forward craft was quieter in the sultry Springfield evening last week, but in the cool Kardinia climate, expect Tayla Harris, Eden Zanker, Alyssa Bannan, and especially Kate Hore to be back to their best. Claudia Gunjaca and Meg McDonald won’t know what’s hit ‘em. PS Fans will get to farewell the retiring Geelong captain Meghan McDonald with a guard of honour at the conclusion of the game. Meg, we salute you on a marvellous career. Selection This Week Melbourne enters Round 12 with their healthiest list of the season. After last week’s bruising clash in Queensland, expect some sore bodies to be managed carefully. Blaithin Mackin and Sarah Lampard will be better for the run, while Laela Ebert and Molly O’Hehir —who have played every game in their debut seasons — continue to offer clean disposal and smart decision-making, even if their numbers have dipped slightly. Georgia Gall is available and hopefully Sinead Goldrick too. Talls v Smalls is a question for Mick. Meggs leans small —give us a runner. Mick Stinear has options aplenty. The challenge? Balancing freshness with momentum — with finals just a week away. Milestones It’s special this week as Shelley Heath and Sarah Lampard notch up their 75th AFLW games. Both premiership players, fierce competitors, and fan favourites. Heater’s tackling is elite and her heart even bigger. Lampy’s like a good wine —just gets better with age. Both adored by teammates and supporters alike. 💙 Also on watch: Kate Hore’s century chase. She’s sitting on 98 career goals, just two shy of the magical ton. Kardinia Park has been kind to her in the past—bags of 4 and 3 goals in previous visits. Meggs will be there, fence-side, ready to leap. Are there fines? And just quietly, Jasmine Garner sits on 97 goals heading into Friday night’s clash at Franga-Town. If she kicks three against the Hawks, she’ll beat Kate to the milestone. Meggs is hoping Jas gets chewy on her boot. Meggs’ musings The ladder permutations are wild. Carlton v West Coast and Adelaide v Fremantle will shape the bottom half of the eight. Meggs reckons Carlton, St Kilda, Adelaide, and Sydney will round it out—but would love Daisy’s Eagles to sneak in.Good luck Dais’! Kardinia Park under lights is a fitting stage for a finals-bound tune-up. Melbourne will want to hit the right notes after being out-marshalled by the Lions last week. This is about building confidence, sharpening execution, and finishing the home-and-away season with momentum. Geelong may be out of finals contention, but they’re dangerous at home and will want to send off their captain in style. The Dees must win the contest, spread with speed, and maintain intensity for four quarters. Every moment matters. We’ll know before the bounce whether we’re playing for Top 2. But regardless — let’s play like we want it anyway. Simples, right? Let’s win it for Lampy and Heater—75 games of heart and hustle. Tip: Melbourne by 15 points. A fantastic night and venue for watching AFLW—Meggs hopes to see you there. THE GAME Round 12: Melbourne v Geelong on Saturday 1 November 2025, 7:15pm (AEDT) at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong | Wadawurrung HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 2 wins | Geelong 1 win At Kardinia Park: Melbourne 2 wins | Geelong 0 wins Coaches: Stinear 2 wins | Lowther 1 win MEDIA COVERAGE Foxtel, Kayo, Binge AFL Live Official Listen App THE LAST TIME THEY MET MELBOURNE 2.0.12 2.2.14 5.4.34 6.6.42 GEELONG 2.2.14 3.2.20 5.2.32 6.4.40 GOALS MELBOURNE Hore 3, Goldrick, B. Mackin, Zanker GEELONG Parry 2, Morrison, Bowen, Kearns, Kenny BEST MELBOURNE Hore, B. Mackin, Pearce, Mithen, McNamara, Goldrick GEELONG Prespakis, Am. McDonald, Morrison, Bowen, Webster, Parry CROWD 3,838 at GMHBA Stadium The Season 9 opening round clash was a tough physical encounterbetween two of the best teams in AFLW in the brand new $319 million redeveloped Kardinia Park stadium. It was Grace Beasley’s debut game and the makeshift midfield (with Liv Purcell injured and Westy at Hawthorn), delivered a collective effort led by Hanksy, Goldie, Mitho and Lampy. But it was the skipper’s night. Hore was on fire! Oozing class as always, Kate had 23 possessions, 3 goals and 10 coaches votes. The Cats started well getting out to a 14-point game-high in Q1 but by ¾ time the Dees had taken a 2-point lead. It was an exciting way to start the season and the strong, noisy contingent of Melbourne supporters led by the #DeeArmythoroughly enjoyed themselves. THIS WEEK’S TEAMS MELBOURNE B T. Gillard, S. Taylor HB M. Chaplin, S. Lampard, B. Mackin C P. Paxman, T. Hanks, E. McNamara HF A. Bannan, M. Fitzsimon, M. Mahony F E. Zanker, T. Harris FOLL L. Pearce, S. Heath, K. Hore I/C G. Campbell , L. Ebert, G. Gall, D. Taylor, R. Wotherspoon EMG L. Johnson, A. Pisano, J. Rigoni IN G. Gall, D. Taylor OUT M. O’Hehir (shin soreness), J. Rigoni (omitted) GEELONG B G. Rankin, C. Gunjaca HB R. Kearns, M. McDonald, R. Webster C C Kilpatrick, G. Prespakis, K. Kenny HF M. Bowen, J. Parry, K. Surman F A. Moloney, K. Darby FOLL C. Tipping, A. McDonald, N. Morrison I/C Z. Friswell, A. Gregor, C. Mason, B. O'Rourke, B. Smith EMG E. Fowler, S. Tallariti, C. Thorne NO CHANGE Injury List: Round 12 Melbourne Sinéad Goldrick — eye / Test Grace Beasley — knee / 1 week Gabby Colvin — wrist/ TBC Olivia Purcell — knee / Season Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive Geelong Julia Crockett-Grills — hamstring / 1 - 2 weeks Shelley Scott — calf / 3 - 4 weeks Piper Dunlop — knee / TBC Chloe Sheer — knee / TBC

1. WILLEM DUURSMAWEST COAST193cm Midfielder/Forward, Gippsland Power/Vic Country Chris says 🗣 His siblings have long said that Duursma is the most talented footballer in his family and he shapes as a perfect fit for the Eagles as a damaging midfielder-forward. Duursma already has a relationship with former No. 1 pick Harley Reid and the two have the potential to spearhead West Coast’s onball brigade for the next decade. 2. COOPER DUFF-TYTLERWEST COAST201cm Ruck/Forward, Calder Cannons/Vic Metro Chris says 🗣 The Eagles’ list lacks some height, which Duff-Tytler provides as a Luke Jackson-type mobile ruckman who can also rotate forward and hit the scoreboard. The former junior basketball star has been a long-time opponent of Duursma on both courts and ovals, which would help make any move west a little easier. 3. ZEKE UWLAND (MATCHED RICHMOND BID)GOLD COAST180cm Midfielder, Gold Coast Academy/Allies Dan says 🗣 I have Uwland at No. 2 in my draft rankings behind Duursma after a massive bottom-age year. We didn’t get to see much of Uwland’s lethal left boot this season due to injury, but expect the Errol Gulden-like prospect to slot into Damien Hardwick’s side next year, most likely off halfback. The Suns require 1960 points to match this bid — and they will need more where that came from. 4. DYLAN PATTERSON (MATCHED RICHMOND BID)GOLD COAST183cm Midfielder/Defender, Gold Coast Academy/Allies Dan says 🗣 Gold Coast has nabbed Damien Hardwick and Dan Rioli in recent years, now ‘Bidmond’ is going to keep the Suns honest. Richmond need line-breaking speed off halfback and Patterson provides that in spades, so a bid on Patterson wouldn’t be surprising. Back-to-back bids is far from ideal for Gold Coast, forcing the Suns to give up 3791 in total — their selections 15, 18, 24, 28 and 51 add up to 3805. 5. XAVIER TAYLORRICHMOND192cm Defender, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro Dan says 🗣 Richmond stocked up their forward line last year, but the selection of Taylor doesn’t just fill a need. The quietly confident talent is a complete package as a defender with his ball-use, reading of the play and one-on-one work, but he has the scope to blossom into an exciting utility like Josh Weddle. Taylor showed he is a big-game player with his best-on-ground display in the Ranges’ premiership win. Plus, he is a Tigers’ fan. 6. DAN ANNABLE (MATCHED RICHMOND BID)BRISBANE LIONS184cm Midfielder, Brisbane Lions Academy/Allies Chris says 🗣 I’m not sure who Annable squeezes out of the Lions’ midfield in the near future, but there’s no doubting he’s a serious talent who Brisbane can’t pass up. A balanced onballer who can be dominant around clearances and brings strong leadership traits, it is a luxury for the Lions to have such another highly-talented player come through their Academy. This will cost the Lions 1493 points, effectively wiping out picks 17 and 23. 7. SAM GRLJRICHMOND182cm Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro Dan says 🗣 The Tigers can afford to pick on upside here after a monster draft haul last year. It was a toss-up between Grlj and Sullivan Robey, but the game-breaking running of Grlj won out. He is low production, high-impact and there is plenty of Max Holmes in Grlj, who always turns up the heat. He has already impressed in the yellow and black in 2025, averaging 16.5 touches in his two VFL games. 8. HARRY DEAN (MATCHED ESSENDON BID)CARLTON194cm Defender, Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country Chris says 🗣 The Blues would be thrilled if a bid on father-son prospect Dean comes this late, given some rate him as a top-five prospect in this year’s draft. A strong one-on-one and intercept defender, Dean shot up draft boards this year after starring for Vic Country during the under-18 national championships and he’s capable of playing a role in the Carlton backline early next year. Matching this pick will cost the Blues 1299 points, swallowing up pick 13 and seeing their second selection slide back a few spots. 9. SULLIVAN ROBEYESSENDON192cm Forward/Midfielder, Eastern Ranges Chris says 🗣 It is Christmas come early for the Bombers if draft bolter Robey gets to their first selection. A powerful forward or midfielder who kicks goals, Robey is exactly the type of player Essendon is crying out for and would add some instant excitement next year. He looks likely to begin his AFL career as a forward but could develop into a big-bodied midfielder in time. It’s been some rise from a player who was playing local football for Rowville under-19s in the first half of this year. 10. DYSON SHARPESSENDON187cm Midfielder, Central District/South Australia Chris says 🗣 The Bombers could do with another star onballer and are also in desperate need of some leadership. Sharp brings both. A hard-at-it midfielder who can also rotate forward and impact the scoreboard, Sharp captained South Australia to a title at the under-18 national championships this year and collected the Larke Medal as the best player of the tournament in the process. He’s a ready-made prospect, having already played significant senior SANFL this year. 11. AIDAN SCHUBERTMELBOURNE197cm Forward/ruck, Central District/South Australia Dan says 🗣 Melbourne has lacked marking options up forward for several years and Schubert has the stickiest hands in the business along with being super athletic. The former state basketball representative only fully committed to footy this year and should develop into a formidable forward-ruck option for the Dees into the future. He dominated the national championships with 10 goals, where his contested marking and mobility stood out. 12. JOSH LINDSAYMELBOURNE183cm Defender/Midfielder, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Dan says 🗣 Blind Freddy can see that Melbourne has struggled with their ball movement over the years. Lindsay is the best kick in the draft, with his left-foot laser hitting targets all over the ground this year. The ultra-professional prospect is capable of playing right away at the Dees off halfback and is a big watch for SuperCoach in 2026. 13. OSKAR TAYLORHAWTHORN183cm Defender, Eastern Ranges Dan says 🗣 Hawthorn doesn’t want for much, but a blistering halfback would be the cherry on top of an impressive defensive unit. Taylor brings breakneck speed, agility and daring kicking to the table, a game-changing combination in the modern game. A literal draft bolter, Taylor didn’t feature at all for Vic Metro at the national champs but surged up draft boards in the back-half of the year, finishing his campaign with the best 20m sprint (2.823sec) time at the draft combine and the second-best agility test (7.840sec). 14. SAM CUMMINGGREATER WESTERN SYDNEY184cm Midfielder, North Adelaide/South Australia Dan says 🗣 GWS love a first-round shock, but the only surprise here is that Cumming remains on the board. The quick midfielder-forward has blistering speed and is great overhead, showing he can impact right away with an eye-catching SANFL stint this season. The Wentworth product has boarded in Adelaide the past couple of years. For a team which carefully considers the go-home factor, that is a huge tick. 15. JACOB FARROWWEST COAST188cm Defender/Midfielder, West Perth/Western Australia Chris says 🗣 The Eagles haven’t been afraid to pick players from interstate in recent years, despite their continuing struggles. But if you have a gun homegrown talent like Farrow still on the board, it just makes sense to take him. Likened to current AFL stars Hayden Young and Jordan Dawson, Farrow is a strong-bodied rebounding halfback who could develop into an AFL midfielder in time. 16. JEVAN PHILLIPOUWESTERN BULLDOGS183cm Midfielder/Forward, Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia Chris says 🗣 He was unseen at the under-18 national championships due to a broken arm, but that doesn’t mean this South Australian has been forgotten. The younger brother of St Kilda’s Mattaes would be a good fit for the Bulldogs as a midfielder-forward with an elite athletic and aerobic profile and a nice skillset. 17. OLIVER GREEVESADELAIDE191cm Midfielder, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro Chris says 🗣 Perhaps finding a home a little later than some might have tipped, Greeves is the type of player you can just picture in an Adelaide jumper. While he’s not as strong a runner as some other midfielders in this draft class, Greeves certainly knows how to find his own footy as a big-bodied onballer and is a consistent performer. 18. ARCHIE LUDOWYKEGEELONG197cm Forward, Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro Dan says 🗣 Electric small forwards Lachy Dovaston and Latrelle Pickett were considered here, but we have settled on a long-term proposition in Ludowyke. Jeremy Cameron turns 33 next year, and the 197cm key forward can be given time to develop in their VFL program before partnering with Shannon Neale. Ludowyke was a top-10 contender earlier in the year before his PCL blow at the national championships and could prove to be the best key forward in the pool. 19. LACHY DOVASTONCARLTON178cm Forward, Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro Chris says 🗣 The small forward positions have been a problem for the Blues for a number of years now, but Dovaston could be the solution. Likened to Hawthorn’s Nick Watson, he is the best small forward in this year’s draft pool and was a regular goalkicker at every level he played this year. He booted 38 majors from 16 games in the Coates Talent League, while also leading Vic Metro’s goalkicking with nine majors from four games at the under-18 national championships. 20. NOAH HIBBINS-HARGREAVESFREMANTLE186cm Forward/Midfielder, Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country Chris says 🗣 The Dockers ranked eighth for inside-50 differential this year but 12th for scores per inside 50. This X-Factor half-forward could help improve the connection and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Hibbins-Hargreaves has some speed and can also play a role on a wing if required. He showed this year that he can be a matchwinner when he’s on. 21. MITCH MARSHESSENDON191cm Forward, West Adelaide/South Australia Chris says 🗣 It’s another big win for the Bombers if they snag Marsh in the early 20s. Nate Caddy needs some support long-term, with Peter Wright and Kyle Langford both set to turn 30 next year. Marsh would complement Caddy and the rest of that group nicely as an incredibly athletic medium-sized marking forward with an accurate boot. 22. ADAM SWEID (MATCHED HAWTHORN BID)ESSENDON176cm Midfielder/Forward, Calder Cannons/Vic Metro Chris says 🗣 Coming off an ACL injury last year, Sweid entered his top-age season as an unknown quantity. However, he made an immediate impact from round 1 for the Calder Cannons, after which he was quickly being discussed as a top-25 prospect. The Essendon NGA prospect is explosive around clearances when in the middle but can also impact as a half-forward, setting up teammates for goals when he’s not kicking them himself. This will cost the Bombers 617 draft points, effectively consuming most of what would be Essendon’s pick 27 at this point. 23. CAM NAIRNHAWTHORN188cm Forward, Central District/South Australia Dan says 🗣 Jack Gunston took out Hawthorn’s best-and-fairest, but he turned 34 this month. Nairn shapes as a like-for-like replacement in the future with his huge engine (fourth in 2km time trial at the draft combine with 6min 14 sec), vice-like hands and pinpoint goalkicking. The medium forward stunned recruiters with a seven-goal haul against Western Australia and also showed he can impact games in midfield roles. 24. HARLEY BARKERNORTH MELBOURNE188cm Midfielder, Sturt/South Australia Chris says 🗣 He won’t be available until the middle of next year as he recovers from an ACL injury, but Barker looks a good long-term option for the Kangaroos as an impactful wingman who brings elite running and skills. North Melbourne didn’t have a dominant winger this year, but Barker could be that in the not-too-distant future. 25. MAX KING (MATCHED NORTH MELBOURNE BID)SYDNEY192cm Forward, Sydney Swans Academy/Allies Dan says 🗣 If you had told Sydney at the start of the year that King would be getting a bid at pick 25, they would have taken that every day of the week. King has upside and athleticism in abundance, finishing first in the standing vertical jump (80cm) at the draft combine, equal-fourth in the running vertical jump (89cm). He was unable to have the impact expected on the field this year but the exciting forward could be anything. 26. HUSSIEN EL ACHKAR (MATCHED NORTH MELBOURNE BID)ESSENDON171cm Forward, Calder Cannons/Vic Metro Chris says 🗣 It’s not surprising that the two Essendon NGA prospects in Sweid and El Achkar have received bids inside the top-30. The good mates will join another mate of theirs in Isaac Kako at the Bombers, where they should transform the forward line. El Achkar is a quick and agile small forward who racked up goals and score assists at every level this season, including one VFL appearance for Essendon. Along with the Sweid pick, Essendon’s two second-round picks are gone. 27. BLAKE THREDGOLDNORTH MELBOURNE194cm Defender, Sturt/South Australia Chris says 🗣 The Kangaroos need to add some more strength in their key defensive posts and Thredgold is the next best available behind top-10 picks Harry Dean and Xavier Taylor. The South Australian is a good size, has a nice leap, reads the play well and can take a strong overhead mark. 28. LATRELLE PICKETTWESTERN BULLDOGS170cm Forward, Glenelg Chris says 🗣 Similar to the Bulldogs’ first pick of Phillipou, adding another smaller type in the front half looks like it would suit here. A 19-year-old prospect, Pickett is the cousin of Melbourne’s Kysaiah and brings some similar traits to the table with his speed, agility, leap and smarts in the attacking half. 29. JACK ISON (MATCHED HAWTHORN BID, WHICH TRADED A FUTURE THIRD-ROUND PICK FOR WEST COAST’S PICK)CARLTON191cm Forward/Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro Dan says 🗣 After bidding on an Essendon NGA player earlier, now the Hawks have bidded on a Blues NGA talent after trading back in. Bids at 8 and 29 for Dean and Ison would be a dream result for the Blues, completing a handy mock draft haul with Dovaston. Carlton is crying out for Ison’s pinpoint kicking and decision-making. The Blues will be a few draft points short to match this bid, so may need to trade a 2026 pick into this year to ensure they are covered. 30. HUGO MIKUNDAHAWTHORN180cm Forward/Midfielder, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Dan says 🗣 Along with Taylor and Nairn, Mikunda can add to the Hawks’ exciting transition game. A prototype half-forward, Mikunda is quick, creative with ball in hand and can also be used on a wing or through the midfield.

AIDAN SCHUBERTMELBOURNE197cm Forward/ruck, Central District/South Australia Dan says 🗣 Melbourne has lacked marking options up forward for several years and Schubert has the stickiest hands in the business along with being super athletic. The former state basketball representative only fully committed to footy this year and should develop into a formidable forward-ruck option for the Dees into the future. He dominated the national championships with 10 goals, where his contested marking and mobility stood out. JOSH LINDSAYMELBOURNE183cm Defender/Midfielder, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Dan says 🗣 Blind Freddy can see that Melbourne has struggled with their ball movement over the years. Lindsay is the best kick in the draft, with his left-foot laser hitting targets all over the ground this year. The ultra-professional prospect is capable of playing right away at the Dees off halfback and is a big watch for SuperCoach in 2026.

183cm Defender/Midfielder, Geelong Falcons/Vic Country Dan says 🗣 Blind Freddy can see that Melbourne has struggled with their ball movement over the years. Lindsay is the best kick in the draft, with his left-foot laser hitting targets all over the ground this year. The ultra-professional prospect is capable of playing right away at the Dees off halfback and is a big watch for SuperCoach in 2026.

It was not long after the announcement that Melbourne's former number 1 draft pick Tom Scully was departing the club following 31 games and two relatively unremarkable seasons to join expansion team, the Greater Western Giants, on a six-year contract worth about $6 million, that a parody song based on Adele's hit "Someone Like You" surfaced on social media. The artist expressed lament over Scully's departure in song, culminating in the promise, "Never mind, we'll find someone like you," although I suspect that the undertone of bitterness in this version exceeded that of the original. Ironically, the Demons' initial attempt to find someone similar to Scully ultimately resulted in the club signing a player who bore little resemblance to him, although he also went on to join the Giants and eventually rehabilitated himself there following a period of significant trauma; the compensation Melbourne received from the AFL for losing its player was Jesse Hogan. By the time the newly departed millionaire had settled in at Blacktown, the Demons successfully uncovered a rich vein of mid-sized talent in footballers who not only outperformed the original but also became members of a premiership side, earning distinction in terms of Norm Smith medals, All Australian guernseys, AFL Coaches Association player of the year awards, and multiple Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophies. We all know who they are! Now, two of the club’s all-time greats who formed an integral part of that talented group have split with the club (one of them is off to the Giants) and supporters are again moaning about the loss of their heroes. Today’s cry is "Never mind, we'll find someone like youse." I am here to inform supporters that, following an in-depth examination of the 2025 draft pool, it appears highly unlikely that the search for a new Clayton Oliver and a new Christian Petracca will be successful in the space of the next month given the compromised nature of that draft. On a positive note, however, history has demonstrated that the team at Melbourne, led by recruiting manager Jason Taylor, have achieved similar success in the past. They can replicate this achievement, although it may require time. Melbourne currently holds draft picks 7, 8, and 37, although AFL clubs are entitled to trade their picks up until and including draft night. In light of the many unknowns in the current draft landscape, I will refrain from speculating about potential pick trading and instead offer some insights based on my research, observations (somewhat limited this year) , and discussions with individuals more closely involved in the draft scene. There is a consensus that the 2025 draft pool lacks depth and talent, further diminished by the likelihood of at least three northern academy members and one father-son player being selected within the top five or six picks. They are Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Suns Academy), Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions Academy) and Blues’ Father-Son prospect Harry Dean. Further, there is an expectation that Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Sullivan Robey are locked in as early selections who will be taken before Melbourne’s first pick comes along, probably at pick 11. There appears to be a genuine scarcity of exceptional midfield talent capable of seamlessly transitioning into that role in the AFL. This is not unprecedented, as numerous rookie players commence their careers on a flank or wing, and some will likely make their names there. This is going to be a draft for mid-sized players, with 200cm whiz kid Duff-Tytler and possibly 198cm contested marking forward Aidan Schubert from South Australia being the exceptions. My uninformed wild guess is that Jason Taylor will not select Schubert, but I can always stand corrected. The "someone like youse" seven This leads me to the following players who I have in my sights in this draft. I call them the "someone like youse" seven and I’ve provided links to their Rookie Me Central Profiles which sum up the attributes of these players better than I could do: • Sam Cumming 183cm • Jacob Farrow 187cm • Sam Grlj 182cm • Josh Lindsay 183cm • Jevan Phillipou 183cm • Dyson Sharp 188cm • Xavier Taylor 191cm Remember, there is every likelihood that three of these players will be taken before Melbourne’s first pick comes around. This still leaves four exciting players who could reach elite AFL level even if they never make it to the someone like youse status of Clarry and Tracc. The outsiders Every draft throws up players who are selected outside the top dozen or so and make it big time ahead of the draft favourites. Our own skip Max Gawn was taken at number 34 in the Scully draft of 2009 and he’s still playing top football. Recent draftees who have already proven themselves as exceptional picks are Elijah Freijah (picked at 45 in 2023), Logan Morris (31 in 2023) and 2025 AFL Rising Star Murphy Reid (17 in 2024). Our recruiters might want to consider the following players of interest (more likely if, for some reason, they decide to trade a pick down a few notches): • Lachy Dovaston 177cm • Oskar Taylor 182cm I haven’t forgotten pick 37, which could ultimately fall anywhere in the 30s or 40s. This selection may be utilised to pre-empt a bid for father-son Kalani White or NGA prospect Toby Sinnema, if such a bid is made. In this space I have my own favourite in Sandringham Dragons midfielder, Rory Wright 183cm https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/rory-wright/. Work in Progress The official line following the club's completion of the Petracca trade was that it is in the process of building a premiership midfield, and by the end of next year, it will have had four first-round selections contributing to that achievement. In other words, we are in the middle of a massive work in progress that began with Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup in 2024, Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay in 2025, this year’s selections and two more next year. Let’s see … Incidental Notes There are also a few quirky features about every draft. A few players I would like to have around the club for connections with the MFC but probably won’t are:- • Tyron Ah Mu 198cm He’s the physically imposing youngster with ties to Samoa who has participated in Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy but is ineligible for nomination due to the fact that he has Samoan heritage, rather than Finnish or Upper Voltan ancestry. Go figure? We could proceed with drafting him through conventional means, but he appears to be out of favour at present. He has a talented younger sibling who may potentially be drafted by the club in the future, and given my emphasis on familial connections, I believe it might be great to have them both eventually in our system. • Sam Allen 182cm A player with a great pedigree for life, he is a grandson of Ray Groom, who was a star player for the Demons from 1963 to 1968 (92 games, 36 goals), and won the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in his final season at the club. He missed the 1964 Grand Final due to a knee injury but received Ron Barassi’s number 31 guernsey the following year. He later became a prominent figure in Tasmanian politics, serving as Premier of Tasmania from 1992 to 1996. If we can keep his grandson in the Demon family, I would be chuffed. I believe he can play a bit too! • Noah Yze 190cm (2024) Son of former Demon champion and current Tigers coach Adem Yze, Noah played with the Casey Demons after missing out on being drafted as a father-son last year. He showed good form there and in the Amateurs which included a 7 goal haul against Williamstown in a VFL final this year. An unlikely selection but you never know.

And it’s getting close at the top of the table … 133. Tyla Hanks 127. Kate Hore 85. Elizabeth McNamara 75. Maeve Chaplin 52. Megan Fitzsimon 51. Tayla Harris 37. Shelley Heath Eden Zanker 17. Paxy Paxman Ryleigh Wotherspoon 15. Olivia Purcell 14. Sinead Goldrick 12. Tahlia Gillard 5. Lauren Pearce 4. Saraid Taylor 3. Blaithin Mackin 2. Maggie Mahony 1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir Jemma Rigoni

A steamy Springfield evening set the stage for a blockbuster top-four clash between two AFLW heavyweights. Brisbane, the bookies’ favourites, hosted Melbourne at a heaving Brighton Homes Arena, with 5,022 fans packing in—the biggest crowd for a Melbourne game this season. It was the 11th meeting between these fierce rivals, with the Dees holding a narrow 6–4 edge. But while the Lions brought the chaos and roared loudest, the Demons aren’t done yet. The Match Kate Hore won the toss and kicked to the non-grandstand end, but that was about the only early win for the Dees. Brisbane came out breathing fire—their pressure at 110%, the humidity at 80%. The ball barely left their forward half in the opening term, but luckily for the Dees, the scoreboard didn’t reflect their dominance. Missed chances—including posters from O’Dwyer and Davidson—meant the quarter ended goalless. Melbourne found its rhythm in the second quarter. With slicker ball movement and better connection, we hit the scoreboard through Harris, Hore, and a pair from Zanker. Suddenly, the Dees had a 14-point buffer at the main break, and the red and blue faithful dared to dream. But Brisbane wasn’t done. The third quarter belonged to the Lions, led by the relentless Belle Dawes (24 disposals, 14 tackles) and a rampaging Sophie Conway (27 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals). Ally Anderson (29 disposals) and Orla O’Dwyer (26) kept the heat on, and the Lions clawed their way back to take a 3-point lead into the final change. The final term was a war of attrition. Melbourne had chances—Zanker missed two gettable shots—but it was an unlikely Ruby Svarc miracle snap that sealed it for Brisbane. A nine-point loss, and a reminder that finals footy is a different beast. Match Maeve Mo Seconds before the final break, with the Dees trailing and desperate for a spark, Tayla Harris marked just inside 50. The commentators urged her to take the shot, but she spotted Maeve Chaplin in a two-on-one and took the risk. It looked like a mistake — until Maevo soared, clunked the grab, and calmly slotted her first ever AFLW goal after the siren. Just three points in it. Hopes alive. Meggs’ musings This was a finals-style clash in every sense—ferocious, fast, and relentless for eighty minutes. The first half was a tale of two quarters: Brisbane’s chaos and pressure in the first, Melbourne’s class in the second. But the Lions’ uncompromising midfield surge in the second half proved too much. Kate Hore was immense—26 touches, 6 tackles, and a goal—but she’ll rue a couple of missed chances and a dubious non-mark call in the third. Tyla Hanks battled hard under constant Dawes pressure, and Maeve Chaplin’s courage and composure are always a highlight. Eliza Mac was indefatigable, though she looked spent in the steamy conditions, Lauren Pearce battled bravely in the ruck, and it was great to see Tahlia Gillard and Saraid Taylor bonding in defence. Edo Zanker was our most dangerous forward with two goals, but her last-quarter misses hurt. If the whispers of a move west are true, she’ll leave a big hole in our forward line. Some of the younger players—Molly, Laela, Jemma, and Ry—found the going tough in the heat of battle, but this was a taste to learn from. Their time will come. Draftee Maggie Mahony was a revelation. Nine disposals, eight tackles, and three clearances in just 66% game time. She had a great game—tough, composed, and looks a natural finals player. Sarah Lampard (in her 75th) and Blaithin Mackin returned from injury and both looked a touch rusty, but their experience and leadership will be vital in the weeks ahead. Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Brisbane’s deserved win and their suffocating pressure. “It felt like finals footy,” he said. “We’ll take away the learnings.” Craig Starcevich was beaming. “One of our better all-time wins,” he declared. “The Brisbane football DNA was on show.” For Melbourne, it’s a third interstate loss in Season 2025. Next stop: Kardinia Park. Saturday night lights against the Cats in the final round. A win there locks in a top-four finish—and second spot if North topples Hawthorn. A home qualifying final at IKON? Sounds good to Meggs. Round 12: Geelong v Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, Saturday 7:15pm AEDT. Looking forward to this game. Hope to see you there. C’mon Demons. MELBOURNE 0.0.0 4.3.27 5.4.34 5.6.36 BRISBANE 0.4.4 1.7.13 5.7.37 6.9.45 GOALS MELBOURNE Zanker 2 Chaplin Harris Hore 
BRISBANE Conway 2, Dooley Mullins Smith R Svarc
 BEST 

MELBOURNE Hore McNamara Zanker Gillard Chaplin Hanks BRISBANE Dawes Conway Anderson Davison Campbell O’Dwyer INJURIES

 MELBOURNE Nil BRISBANE Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil BRISBANE Nil CROWD 5,022 at Brighton Homes Arena