Demonland

Share your passion for the Melbourne Football Club by becoming part of The Demon Army - the official cheer squad of the red and blue. Package Benefits Exclusive 2024 Demon Army supporter item Demon Army Membership Card Access to purchase reserved seats at away games The chance to walk onto the 'G to display the club banner Access to ticketing privileges Key Info Cheer squad members must hold a 2024 Melbourne Football Club access membership to be eligible to join. Access to reserved seats with The Demon Army for Melbourne Football Club matches interstate will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis to Melbourne Football Club members. Demon Army membership does not guarantee a ticket to any ticketed match. Easy Pay based on 6 monthly instalments. Family membership includes two adults and up to four children under 15 as of 1 January 2024. Alternatively, can include two juniors under 15 as of 1 January 2024 and two youths under 18 as of 1 January 2024. Finals tickets eligibility: Should Melbourne participate: the Cheer Squad has access to a limited amount of finals tickets, which are allocated based on active participation within the group, regular involvement on match day and length of membership. Under no circumstance are finals tickets guaranteed by holding a Demon Army membership. Any questions hit up @WalkingCivilWar Or visit this link: https://membership.melbournefc.com.au/membership/demon-army

2024 VFL FULL FIXTURE Here is a full analysis of the fixture for your club: Last Season: 3rd (15-6) Coach: Zane Littlejohn (2nd season) Fixture: Cas (A), Gee (A), GC (A), NM (H), Syd (H), Foo (A), San (N), bye, BL (H), Ess (A), GWS (H), Ric (A), bye, PM (H), Gee (H), Sou (A), NM (A), Wil (H), GWS (A), bye, Wer (H) Plays Twice: Geelong, GWS, North Melbourne Doesn’t Play: Carlton, Coburg, Collingwood, Frankston, Northern Bullants Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 7 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 1 (Rd3 v GC) Summary: Hawk fans will know very early on where their team sits in the premiership race, with three difficult away games to start the season against Casey, Geelong and premier Gold Coast before they finally grace Box Hill City Oval in Round 4. Once that is out of the way, it opens up with three home games and their Wonthaggi journey in the next five split by a challenging trip to Footscray. Three interstate trips including that Suns sojourn won’t be easy and they don’t face last year’s bottom three in Frankston, Northern Bullants and Coburg. The run into the finals is also the testing material, with three of the last five being away, and the home games against Williamstown and Werribee. Difficulty Score: 454 (ranked equal 4th in difficulty) Last Season: 4th (14-6-1) Coach: Ben Hudson (2nd season) Fixture: Ess (A), Coll (H), NM (A), Gee (H), Sou (A), GC (H), bye, Cas (A), Box (A), bye, Foo (TBC), San (H), Fra (H), Cob (H), Cas (H), bye, Syd (H), GC (A), Car (A), GWS (H), Col (A) Plays Twice: Casey Demons, Collingwood, Gold Coast Suns Doesn’t Play: Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Richmond, Werribee, Williamstown Interstate Trips: Victoria 7 VFLW Double Headers: 2 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: The Lions will be delighted. After leading the ladder for the first half of last season and making the preliminary final, they have been handed nominally the second-easiest fixture, despite double-ups against the last two premiers and Collingwood and no game against Northern Bullants. They avoid Werribee and Williamstown but the section that stands out is between Rounds 12-18, where they don’t leave Queensland, with five straight home games, with three against 2023 bottom-six teams. The trade off is four ‘single-figure’ games in a row before that and three challenging away games in the last four rounds. Difficulty Score: 551 (ranked 20th) Last Season: 11th (10-8) Coach: Luke Power (2nd season) Fixture: bye, NM (A), Col (H), PM (H), Gee (H), Wer (A), Cas (H), Wil (A), GC (H), NB (A), Ess (A), bye, Sou (H), Ric (A), GWS (A), Foo (A), Col (A), bye, BL (H), Gee (A), Ric (H) Plays Twice: Collingwood, Geelong, Richmond Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Coburg, Frankston, Sandringham, Sydney Interstate Trips: NSW 1 VFLW Double Headers: 4 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: The Blues have nominally the hardest fixture in the competition, despite no clash against Box Hill Hawks for the second year in a row, however the standout is no games against four of last year’s bottom six. Only one interstate trip (GWS) is a bonus, but they do have three of the hardest Victorian road trips. 10 matches rated at 21 points or less means they will need to be on their mettle from the get go in their bid to make up for that Round 22 collapse last season. They will finally face Southport again in Round 13 – the first time they will meet since the Sharks won their VFL debut against the Blues in 2021. Difficulty Score: 424 (ranked 1st) Last Season: 7th (12-8) Coach: Taylor Whitford (2nd season) Fixture: Box (H), Foo (H), PM (A*), bye, Ric (A), Wil (H), Car (A), BL (H), San (H), Cob (A), Col (H), bye, NM (H), NB (A), BL (A), Ess (H), Fra (A), GWS (H), Foo (A), bye, GC (A) Plays Twice: Brisbane Lions, Footscray Doesn’t Play: Geelong, Southport, Sydney, Werribee Interstate Trips: Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 7 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: The Demons start the quest to regain their title with three matches at Casey Fields, although they are tough fixtures. They take on Box Hill followed by the team that blasted them out of the finals in Footscray and then taking on expected big improver Port Melbourne in an away game at their home venue. Two flights to Queensland are the only interstate journeys, while there is no clash with Grand Finalist Werribee. They won’t want to leave their jockeying for ladder positions to the last minute, with away games against the Bulldogs and reigning premier Gold Coast to finish either side of a bye. Given they will be short favourites in the three games before that, they’ll have every chance. No away game with the Hawks means no Wonthaggi visit, and they also don’t go to Williamstown or Geelong. Difficulty Score: 481 (ranked equal 13th) Last Season: 21st (0-18) Coach: Jamie Cassidy-McNamara (2nd season) Fixture: Syd (A), Wil (H), bye, Col (H), Fra (A), Ric (H), PM (A), Gee (H), bye, Cas (H), NM (A), Sou (H), NB (H), BL (A), bye, Wer (A), PM (H), Fra (H), GC (A), NB (A), Ess (H) Plays Twice: Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne Doesn’t Play: Box Hill, Carlton, Footscray, GWS, Sandringham Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 1 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: An interstate trip first up, followed by Williamstown and a double bye is something the Lions wouldn’t have wanted to see as they look to break a 20-match losing run. It gets a little more helpful after that, with the next nine games rated 20 points or easier on the sliding scale, giving them the third friendliest fixture by the numbers. However, there are still two nasty-looking flights to Gold Coast and Brisbane Lions and a visit to Werribee looming large. There are two Battles of Bell Street to get excited about as well as lucrative return games against Frankston and Port Melbourne and a home game against neighbour Essendon to finish. Difficulty Score: 550 (ranked 19th) Last Season: 8th (12-8) Coach: Josh Fraser (2nd season) Fixture: San (A), BL (A), Car (A), Cob (A), Ess (H), Sou (A), NB (A), Wer (H), bye, Foo (TBC), Cas (A), NM (H), bye, Ess (A), Fra (A), Gee (H), Car (H), Ric (H), bye, Syd (A), BL (H) Plays Twice: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Essendon Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Gold Coast, GWS, Port Melbourne, Williamstown Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 5 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: Rivalry matches feature heavily on the Magpies’ fixture, with return games against both Carlton and Essendon, as well as preliminary finalist Brisbane Lions. Four away games and six of the first seven on the road to start the year means they must protect against a slow start that would have them chasing their tails. Three interstate trips (Brisbane, Southport, Sydney) loom as tests, but no games against premier Gold Coast (two years in a row), third-placed Box Hill Hawks and fifth-placed Williamstown, as well as likely big improver Port Melbourne, plus a game at Swinburne Centre – where they haven’t lost in the modern era – push the difficulty factor into the middle rungs. Still tougher than last year, however. Difficulty Score: 478 (ranked 12th) Last Season: 17th (5-13) Coach: Blake Caracella (1st season, replacing Leigh Tudor) Fixture: BL (H), San (A), Foo (TBC), Sou (H), Col (A), bye, Wil (A), NM (H), Ric (N), Box (H), Car (H), bye, GC (A), Col (H), PM (A), Cas (A), bye, San (H), NB (A), GC (H), Cob (A) Plays Twice: Collingwood, Gold Coast, Sandringham Doesn’t Play: Frankston, Geelong, GWS, Sydney, Werribee Interstate Trips: Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 6 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 1 (R9 v Ric) Summary: Another tough fixture for the Bombers … in fact this one is nominally the equal second hardest. Only one interstate trip –to reigning premier Gold Coast which will see the Suns wary after losing to the Bombers last year (and they play them twice). They don’t go to Southport, where they have played some great footy, and they don’t play Frankston for the second year in a row, while also not meeting either Sydney team. However, they also avoid Grand Finalist Werribee. So what makes it so difficult on paper? Nine games rated under 20 points, with the Suns trip joined by visits to every team from fifth to ninth on the ladder, with home games against first, third and fourth also looming as challenges. Difficulty Score: 435 (ranked equal 2nd) Last Season: 6th (13-7) Coach: Stewart Edge (4th season) Fixture: GWS (H), Cas (A), Ess (TBC), Wil (A), bye, Box (H), Ric (A), GWS (A), PM (H), Col (TBC), BL (TBC), Syd (H), bye, NM (A), Wer (A), Car (H), Gee (A), bye, Cas (H), Fra (A), Syd (A) Plays Twice: Casey Demons, GWS, Sydney Doesn’t Play: Coburg, Gold Coast, Northern Bullants, Sandringham, Southport Interstate Trips: NSW 2 VFLW Double Headers: 4 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: No trips to Queensland for the Bulldogs, who will be desperate to hit the ground running after struggling early last year. The two hardest away games in Victoria loom in that first month. They play both Sydney teams twice, with the Swans away in the last round, and avoid Gold Coast, although there is no Coburg or Northern Bullants and Sandringham is missing for the second year in a row. Only two “single-figure” games, one a home fixture against Box Hill, and they hadn’t lost at Werribee before last year. There are trips to Casey, Williamstown and Geelong, while being able to reacquaint themselves with their hallowed Teddy turf is the biggest win of all. Difficulty Score: 450 (ranked equal 4th) Last Season: 4-14 (19th) Coach: Jackson Kornberg (1st season, replacing Danny Ryan) Fixture: Wil (H), PM (A), bye, NB (H), Cob (H), Gee (A), GWS (A), Syd (H), Sou (A), San (H), Wer (A), bye, BL (A), GC (H), Col (H), NB (A), Cas (H), Cob (A), PM (H), Foo (H), bye Plays Twice: Coburg, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, Richmond Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 1 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: Both teams the Dolphins didn’t play in 2023 in Essendon or Richmond are again off the menu. They also avoid top-three team Box Hill and are grouped for return matches against fellow bottom-four standalones Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants and Coburg. All five of their home games in the first 13 rounds are under lights as they create a wonderful niche. Three interstate trips is the equal most among standalones and there is a nightmare run from Rounds 11-14 with both Grand Finalists and a trip to Brisbane Lions. Three home games in the first four weeks against standalones should have the Hill rocking and give them a chance to start well. Amazingly, they will host Sandringham for the first time since 2015. Difficulty Score: 542 (ranked 18th) Last Season: 13th (8-9-1) Coach: Mark Corrigan (2nd season) Fixture: Wer (H), Box (H), NB (A), BL (A), Car (A), Fra (H), bye, Cob (A), GWS (H), Ric (H), Syd (A), bye, PM (A), San (H), Box (A), Col (A), Foo (H), NM (A), bye, Car (H), San (A) Plays Twice: Box Hill Hawks, Carlton, Sandringham Doesn’t Play: Casey Demons, Essendon, Gold Coast, Southport, Williamstown Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 3 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 3 (R9 v GWS, R10 v Ric, R11 v Syd) Summary: Very much a mixed bag for the Cats, with two home games to start, although they are against two of last year’s top three. That precedes three trips including a flight to Queensland to face the Lions, giving them three “single-figure” matches in the first four weeks. They will have the chance to build momentum with six winnable games in a row from Rounds 5-11, culminating in a visit to Sydney, where they have won twice already. Two of their three double-ups didn’t make the finals last year, while the five teams they avoid include reigning premier Gold Coast, 2022 champion Casey Demons and Williamstown for the second year in a row. Most of last year’s strugglers are away games, which they will be confident of dealing with. Difficulty Score: 476 (ranked 11th) Last Season: Premiers (19-2) Coach: Tate Kaeslar (returning for 2nd season after coaching in 2021, replacing Josh Drummond) Fixture: Ric (H), bye, Box (H), Syd (A), PM (A), BL (A), Sou (H), bye, Car (A), Wer (H), San (A), bye, Ess (H), Fra (A), Wil (H), Ric (A), GWS (A), BL (H), Cob (H), Ess (A), Cas (H) Plays Twice: Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Richmond Doesn’t Play: Collingwood, Footscray, Geelong, North Melbourne, Northern Bullants Interstate Trips: NSW 2, Victoria 6 VFLW Double Headers: 2 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 2 (R3 v Box, R10 v Wer) Summary: The Suns took almost all before them last year but will need to step up a gear to defend their historic premiership, with the equal second-hardest fixture by the numbers. Two home games to start gives their fans an early chance to remember last year’s success before three trips in a row that include an away QClash, the return of which removes one road trip from the schedule. There is no Collingwood for the second year in a row, with three of the five teams they miss being from last year’s top 10. Northern Bullants are also not on the schedule. The Grand Final rematch is a home game, meaning one of the two venues they lost at last year is missing, while they play their other 2023 conqueror Essendon twice. Difficulty Score: 435 (ranked equal 2nd) Last Season: 12th (9-9) Coach: Wayne Cripps (2nd season) Fixture: Foo (A), bye, San (H), Wer (A), NM (H), Syd (A), Fra (H), Foo (H), Gee (A), bye, Box (A), PM (H), Syd (H), Sou (A), Car (H), bye, GC (H), Cas (A), Box (H), BL (A), Will (A) Plays Twice: Box Hill Hawks, Footscray, Sydney Doesn’t Play: Coburg, Collingwood, Essendon, Northern Bullants, Richmond Interstate Trips: Queensland 2, Victoria 6 VFLW Double Headers: 1 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 4 (R3 v San, R6 v Syd, R9 v Gee, R13 v Syd) Summary: While last year saw the Giants receive nominally the hardest fixture and this one is tenth, it is still less than ideal reading for the Big Big Sound. The first two away games are tests against Footscray and Werribee, while Sandringham will visit Canberra instead of Sydney, where the Zebras have played well in the past. Seven “single-figure” games, including double-ups against the Bulldogs and Box Hill, while they travel to every team seeded two to seven. The return of two Sydney Derbies cuts one flight out of the schedule, but they are also likely to rue the fact they don’t play last year’s bottom two in Coburg and Northern Bullants. The “easiest” game they have in the last five is a home fixture against the Hawks, which says it all. Difficulty Score: 468 (ranked 8th) Last Season: 10th (10-9) Coach: Tom Lynch (2nd season) Fixture: NB (H), Car (H), BL (H), Box (A), GWS (A), San (A), Syd (H), Ess (A), Wer (A), bye, Cob (H), Col (A), Cas (A), Foo (H), bye, Syd (A), Box (H), Gee (H), Wil (A), bye, Sou (A) Plays Twice: Box Hill Hawks, Sydney Doesn’t Play: Frankston, Gold Coast, Port Melbourne, Richmond Interstate Trips: NSW 2, Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 4 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: Along with the Casey Demons, the Roos are only one of two sides outside the Southport-Werribee-Williamstown group to only have two double-up opponents – one a preliminary finalist, the other a bottom four team. They showed they can get on a roll and have the perfect opportunity to do so with three home games to kick off the season, and they will need to make that work because seven of the next nine are away. The Kangaroos don’t face reigning premier Gold Coast and don’t get the chance for revenge against the team that almost ended their finals dream last year in Richmond. Three interstate trips are the testing material, including a final-round visit to Southport that they wouldn’t want to rely on to retain their finals ticket. Difficulty Score: 470 (ranked equal 9th) Last Season: 21st (1-17) Coach: Rohan Welsh (1st season, replacing Brodie Holland) Fixture: NM (A), bye, Gee (H), Fra (A), San (A), PM (H), Col (H), Sou (H), Syd (A), Car (H), bye, Wil (A), Cob (A), Cas (H), Ric (H), Fra (H), Wer (A), bye, Ess (H), Cob (H), PM (A) Plays Twice: Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions, Footscray, Gold Coast, GWS Interstate Trips: NSW 1 VFLW Double Headers: 3 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: The Bullants had a horror fixture last year, but this one is much friendlier – in fact, comfortably the easiest by the numbers to give them a little leg up in their rebuilding efforts. Two Battles of Bell Street, two games against Frankston and only one interstate trip – to Sydney, the team they have beaten the past two years in a row. They don’t play four of last year’s top six, only facing the two top standalones, Werribee and Williamstown. The drive to Avalon Airport Oval is their only “single-figure” fixture. Three of the first four games are on the road, including a double bye after their season opener, which stops them building momentum early, but they get five out of six at home from Rounds 14-20. Difficulty Score: 610 (ranked 21st) Last Season: 15th (6-12) Coach: Adam Skrobalak (3rd season) Fixture: Sou (A), Fra (H), Cas (H*), Car (A), GC (H), NB (A), Cob (H), bye, Foo (A), Wil (H), Ric (H), GWS (A), Gee (H), Box (A), Ess (H), bye, Cob (A), Wer (H), Fra (A), bye, NB (H) Plays Twice: Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, North Melbourne, Sandringham, Sydney Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 9 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: The Borough will be extremely confident of locking in six of the 10 wins they need to play finals for the first time in five years with their double-ups against last year’s bottom three. After a trip to Southport in Round 1, they will only journey once more for the year (GWS) and avoid preliminary finalist Brisbane Lions among three top-10 teams missed. They climbed five spots with the easiest fixture in 2023, and while this one is a little tougher, their games against the Grand Finalists are at home and should bring bumper crowds from the Port faithful. Two Friday night double headers will take centre stage. No game against former neighbour Sydney is either disappointing or a relief for fans of both clubs, depending on who you ask. Difficulty Score: 529 (ranked 14th) Last Season: 9th (10-8-1) Coach: Steven Morris (3rd season) Fixture: GC (A), Syd (H), Wer (A), bye, Cas (H), Cob (A), Foo (H), San (A), Ess (N), Gee (A), PM (A), Box (H), bye, Car (H), NB (A), GC (H), Wil (A), Col (A), bye, San (H), Car (A) Plays Twice: Carlton, Gold Coast, Sandringham Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Frankston, GWS, North Melbourne, Southport Interstate Trips: Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 2 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 2 (R9 v Ess, R10 v Gee) Summary: A nightmare start with their first two away matches being against both Grand Finalists from 2023, while the game splitting those – Sydney at home – being a match-up they dropped last year that eventually cost them a chance to push for the top six. Tiger fans in Melbourne will be happy, however, with that Round 1 flight to the Suns being their only interstate trip. No game against Frankston for the second year in a row and they play Gold Coast twice, while avoiding Brisbane Lions and a likely resurgent Southport won’t be disappointing. Three of the last four games being away mean they won’t want to leave securing their finals spot until the last minute as they did last year. Difficulty Score: 462 (ranked 6th) Last Season: 16th (5-12-1) Coach: Jake Batchelor (3rd season) Fixture: Col (H), Ess (H), GWS (A), bye, NB (H), NM (H), Box (N), Ric (H), Cas (A), Fra (A), GC (H), BL (A), bye, Gee (A), Syd (H), Wil (A), Sou (H), Ess (A), bye, Ric (A), Gee (H) Plays Twice: Essendon, Geelong, Richmond Doesn’t Play: Carlton, Coburg, Footscray, Port Melbourne, Werribee Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1 VFLW Double Headers: 6 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 1 (R3 v GWS) Summary: A little friendlier than last year, beginning with two home games against well-supported opponents and four home games in the first five (including a Round 1 blockbuster at RSEA Park) having the bean counters smiling. Only two interstate trips and three “single-figure” outings, with no trip to Gold Coast and no game against Werribee. Coburg has been a danger game in recent years so missing them isn’t the worst. The trade off from the early home games is seven journeys in their last 11, so they must make hay early on. They miss Footscray for the second year in a row among five absent match-ups and only play one top-10 team twice, with the three double-ups putting their fate in their own hands against clubs pushing for the same spots. Difficulty Score: 525 (ranked 15th) Last Season: 14th (8-10) Coach: Steve Daniel (4th VFL season, 7th overall) Fixture: PM (H), Wer (H), Wil (A), Ess (A), BL (H), Col (H), GC (A), NB (A), Fra (H), bye, Wil (H), Cob (A), Car (A), GWS (H), bye, Box (H), San (A), Syd (H), Wer (A), bye, NM (H) Plays Twice: Werribee, Williamstown Doesn’t Play: Casey, Footscray, Geelong, Richmond Interstate Trips: Victoria 7 VFLW Double Headers: 1 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: A testing start to the season for the Sharks as they aim to make up for an injury-ruined 2023, with home games against likely big improver Port Melbourne, Grand Finalist Werribee and a trip to Williamstown to kick things off. However, they need to re-establish that Fankhauser Fortress after losing four times there last year and those first two games couldn’t offer a better chance to send a message to the rest of the competition. Away games against the top two will show where they stand, but it is interesting to see all four teams they miss are likely contenders for the same positions on the ladder. No action for Shark fans in Sydney after the pre-season but a home game against the Lions shapes as a blockbuster. Difficulty Score: 474 (ranked 10th) Last Season: 18th (4-14) Coach: Damian Truslove (2nd season) Fixture: Cob (H), Ric (A), bye, GC (H), Box (A), GWS (H), NM (A), Fra (A), NB (H), bye, Gee (H), Foo (A), GWS (A), Wer (H), San (A), NM (H), BL (A), Sou (A), bye, Col (H), Foo (H) Plays Twice: Footscray, GWS, North Melbourne Doesn’t Play: Carlton, Casey Demons, Essendon, Port Melbourne, Williamstown Interstate Trips: Queensland 2, Victoria 6 VFLW Double Headers: 2 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 3 (R6 v GWS, R11 v Gee, R13 v GWS) Summary: The Swans slid horribly last year as injuries played havoc on their depth, and their bid to climb back up the ladder faces a lot of roadblocks with one of the hardest fixtures. After a game they will start strong favourites in to kick off the year, they have three big tests in a row as part of a difficult run between a double bye for Gather Round and their second week off in Round 10. If they are still in the hunt, having two home games to finish the season against 2023 finalists will give them a chance to either earn their spot or prove them unworthy. Three of the five teams they miss are from the bottom 11 but they will be happy to avoid trips to both Grand Finalists. Two Sydney Derbies is a bonus as it means one less trip to the airport. Difficulty Score: 465 (ranked 7th) Last Season: 2nd (18-3) Coach: Jimmy Allan (1st season, replacing Michael Barlow) Fixture: Gee (A), Sou (A), Ric (H), GWS (H), Wil (A), Car (H), bye, Col (A), NM (H), GC (A), Fra (H), bye, Wil (H), Syd (A), Foo (H), Cob (H), NB (H), PM (A), Sou (H), bye, Box (A) Plays Twice: Southport, Williamstown Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Casey Demons, Essendon, Sandringham Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 0 (same club – underlined), 2 (different clubs – italics) AFL curtain raisers/closers: 1 (R10 v GC) Summary: The Tigers could not possibly be upset by what they have been handed as they aim to go one better, with only five clubs given a nominally friendlier fixture than the runners-up. They only have two “single-figure” games, one of which is the rematch with the Suns in Queensland, while they have an even spread of top-10/bottom-10 double-ups and the same for missed opponents. A testing road double to start (although not as tough as last year) and three interstate trips provide the biggest challenges, but they should be able to build some momentum in the run to the finals. No game against their preliminary final victim Brisbane Lions or the Casey Demons. Look for them to make their move early. Difficulty Score: 528 (ranked 16th) Last Season: 5th (14-6) Coach: Justin Plapp (4th season) Fixture: Fra (A), Cob (A), Sou (H), Foo (H), Wer (H), Cas (A), Ess (H), Car (H), bye, PM (A), Sou (A), NB (H), Wer (A), bye, GC (A), San (H), Ric (H), Box (A), NM (H), bye, GWS (H) Plays Twice: Southport, Werribee Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney Interstate Trips: Queensland 2 VFLW Double Headers: 5 AFL curtain raisers/closers: 0 Summary: After charging up the ladder despite having nominally the second hardest fixture last season, the Seagulls should be much happier with this year’s offering. Two trips to Queensland and they play only one fellow top-10 team twice, although that is next-door neighbour and Grand Finalist Werribee, while the four teams they miss include their semi-final conqueror Brisbane Lions, and they don’t play Geelong for the second year in a row. They start with back-to-back away games but will be favourites in both before a run of three home fixtures that could give their year the perfect start. Only have four games that the difficulty chart rates in single figures, although that includes trips to last year’s top three. Difficulty Score: 526 (ranked 16th)

VFL Fixture Round 1 vs Box Hill, Sunday March 24, 2:00pm AEDT (Casey Fields) Round 2 vs Footscray Bulldogs, Saturday March 30, 2:05pm AEDT (Casey Fields) Round 3 vs Port Melbourne, Saturday April 13, 3:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 4 BYE. Round 5 vs Richmond, Wednesday April 24, 2:05pm AEST (Swinburne Centre) Round 6 vs Williamstown, Sunday May 5, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 7 vs Carlton, Friday May 10, 5:10pm AEST (Ikon Park) Round 8 vs Brisbane, Saturday May 18, 11:05am AEST (Casey Fields) Round 9 vs Sandringham, Sunday May 26, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 10 vs Coburg, Saturday June 1, 1:05pm AEST (Piranha Park) Round 11 vs Collingwood, Sunday June 9, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 12 BYE Round 13 vs North Melbourne, Sunday June 23, 2:00pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 14 vs Northern Bullants, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 15 vs Brisbane, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 16 vs Essendon, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 17 vs Frankston, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 18 vs GWS Giants, Date TBV, Location TBC Round 19 vs Footscray Bulldogs, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 20 BYE Round 21 vs Gold Coast Suns, Date TBC, Location TBC

They have a McDonalds there? Or is that the personal section for TMac's family.

And Hunter.

Fox Footy have posted their Opening Round Teams for 2024. MELBOURNE B: Adam Tomlinson, Steven May, Trent Rivers HB: Judd McVee, Jake Lever, Christian Salem C: Lachie Hunter, Clayton Oliver, Ed Langdon HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Bayley Fritsch, Charlie Spargo F: Shane McAdam, Harrison Petty, Jacob van Rooyen FOLL: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Jake Bowey, Tom Sparrow, Jack Billings, Kade Chandler (sub) It hasn’t been the cleanest pre-season for the Demons on the injury front, particularly up forward – where they can probably least afford it. Recruit Tom Fullarton (hamstring) and Ben Brown (knee) will miss the opening rounds, while Shane McAdam, Harrison Petty (foot) and Tom McDonald (calf) have also had disrupted summers and Jake Melksham is still recovering from his ACL tear. Lachie Hunter (calf) is also in doubt and Christian Salem was on light duties last week. Kysaiah Pickett, who’s had a ripping pre-season, is suspended for Round 1, while Joel Smith is also absent after his provisional suspension for a positive cocaine test after a game last season. Plus, no Fullarton and Brodie Grundy’s exit means the Dees have limited ruck cover behind Max Gawn to start the season. The biggest question isn’t a physical health issue, but a mental health one, with Clayton Oliver thankfully returning to training over the past fortnight after a tough 2023. While the superstar midfielder is tracking in the right direction, his situation remains a precarious one. Draftees in Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup have impressed in their first pre-seasons to put their hands up for an early-season debut, while the returning Marty Hore and former Saint Jack Billings will also put their hand up. The likes of Tom Sparrow, Bailey Laurie and Trent Rivers could be in line for more midfield opportunities, with track watchers spotting Rivers’ move from defence.

He was in the rehab group on a modified running program after Christmas before briefly returning to the main group before returning to the rehab group for the last 2 or 3 weeks. No word on a return date from any official channels.

Todd Marshall off the shopping list.

Let’s keep the thread on topic folks. No derailments. Footy is nigh. Don’t forget to buy a snag from @WalkingCivilWar at the Demon Army BBQ to support the cheersquad. Mention Demonland to get 0% off.

I hope we see McAdam in one of the 2 practice games in the lead up to Opening Round. Hopefully over the niggle from last week. If not in the Tigers game then fingers crossed for the Blues game.

The only thing we know about McAdam from the training report thread is the following:

I would assume they will show the lot. Certainly would on Kayo as there is no other programming for it to switch to.

The Demons will take to the field in their first hit out for 2024 against another team when they take on the Tigers at Casey Fields in a Scratch Match consisting of 7 "quarters". Melbourne vs Richmond Date: Sunday 18th Feb Location: Casey Fields Gate open: 9.30am Match commences: 10am Watch: Foxtel & Kayo Inclusions: Seven-quarter match simulation Signing opportunities Kids' activities Partner giveaways What are your expectations? What do you want to see from the Demons? Who are you excited to see play?

Only on Foxtel and Kayo. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1074361/locked-in-details-confirmed-for-match-sims-practice-games

That's excellent because the initial reports were 6 to 8 weeks which at the time brought him to returning rounds 2 to 4 not factoring any match conditioning.

Oliver takes big step – but Dees have other problems Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Oliver, who had largely kept to the Demons rehab group since his return to training on February 1, took his work up a level amid hot conditions, joining in match simulation in the back half of the session. He played in the midfield through match sim, starting in a bib on the ‘B’ team but swapped to the ‘A’ side halfway through. The Demons haven’t ruled Oliver out of playing in the club’s season opener on March 7 in Sydney, but there were expectations he could take some time to be passed fully fit to play in a match. His chances of playing in opening round could be swayed by how much time he spends on the field on Sunday, when Melbourne hosts Richmond for seven periods of match simulation at Casey Fields. Defender Christian Salem starred in match simulation, finding the ball at will off half-back and hitting up teammates, after he was recently on limited training due to a hamstring tweak. Lachie Hunter (calf) puffed through a running session in long sleeves as the mercury slid past 30 degrees, while Tom McDonald (calf) was also running solo. Forward Ben Brown (knee) took in some light jumping and kicking as Shane McAdam left the track early. Recruit McAdam has been eased through pre-season and often pulled out of match play. Harry Petty watched training and didn’t partake in any running while on the track amid his slow build from a foot complaint. ATTACKING WOES Melbourne started match play with a centre-bounce drill, working on how it would deliver the ball and set up in the forward-50 after bounces. After coming unstuck in the finals series through fruitless long bombs into attack, the Dees set up with three deep forwards and attempted to find some space in a crowded 50, with only young forward Matthew Jefferson taking a mark. How Melbourne find a way to kick more easy goals has been one of the biggest questions this AFL pre-season. During three-quarter ground match sim, the ‘A’ team started with a forward line of Bayley Fritsch, Jacob van Rooyen and Christian Petracca deep, with Kysaiah Pickett, draftee Koltyn Tholstrup and Kade Chandler playing high. Again, there was little connection with the deep forwards and despite a standout display from Pickett, Melbourne looked scrappy trying to find its way forward. Petracca in particular struggled with his kicking, before a hospital handball stopped a certain goal. Tholstrup was one who managed to find teammates well, standing up strong in a tackle to hand off one goal to Pickett, as he continues to put his name in the mix for an opening round debut. Fellow top draftee Caleb Windsor started on the wing for the ‘A’ side, with Melbourne delighted by his start at the club. Forward Bailey Laurie also had plenty of midfield minutes with the ‘A’ team. Adam Tomlinson played in the ‘A’ defence when they fielded a full six backmen, while Josh Schache chipped in as a tall forward option.

Good to see Fullarton in footy boots chasing a footy.

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Was McAdam training with the main group or in rehab?