Demonland

The dynamic small forward, possessing an innate ability to generate excitement with his explosive play around the goals, successfully transitioned into a role that afforded him more time in the midfield. The club also negotiated a long-term deal with Pickett, thereby eliminating any prospect of a move west by their star young player. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2025: 20 Career Total: 126 Goals MFC 2025: 40 Career Total: 201 Brownlow Medal Votes: 10 votes Melbourne Football Club: Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy 3rd Best & Fairest: 467 votes

For a few years now, he has been a reliable, hard working pressure forward, but in 2025, Chandler elevated his performance, becoming an integral component of the team with enough versatility to play effectively on a wing from time to time. Date of Birth: 13 January 2000 Height: 175cm Games MFC 2025: 23 Career Total: 79 Goals MFC 2025: 18 Career Total: 60 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 376 votes

Ollie Sestan appeared on the cusp of senior selection midway through his third year at the club when a hamstring strain and then a facial injury sidelined him from round ten until the eve of the VFL finals, leaving him with insufficient time to impress the club’s list managers enough to warrant further consideration for a place on the playing list for next year. Date of Birth: 15 April 2004 Height: 188cm Games CDFC 2025: 10 Goals CDFC 2025: 1

Selected as a Category B Rookie through the Next Generation Academy system, the youngster has shown decent signs of improvement at Casey and under the mentoring of his idol Kozzy Pickett who he hopes to join in the Melbourne team in the near future. Date of Birth: 4 September 2006 Height: 179cm Games CDFC 2025: 19 Goals CDFC 2025:

The career of the son of former Demon Brownlow Medalist Shane, seems to have stalled. Taj added 16 games to his overall AFL tally last year but managed only one appearance this year amid a moderate season at Casey. He remains on the list but is the only player yet to be contracted for at least a further season. Date of Birth: 26 March 2003 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2025: 1 Career Total: 21 Goals MFC 2024: 0 Career Total: 3 Games CDFC 2024: 17 Goals CDFC 2024: 2

The son of Melbourne's Nathan Brown, Kynan made his debut in 2024 as a sub against North Melbourne and a strong tackle laid on Nick Larkey saved the day for the Demons. He had one further game the following week against the Lions but after that he remained stuck in the VFL. This year he failed to make a lasting impact in his 20 games at Casey and was not offered a contract extension at the end of the season. Date of Birth: 13 January 2005 Height: 181cm Games MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 2 Goals MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 0 Games CDFC 2025: 20 Goals CDFC 2025: 3

The VFL premiership player was recruited from Werribee to alleviate Melbourne’s forward line woes and give a chop out in the ruck, but he managed only five senior matches in his first season at the club. At times, he was a dominant force at VFL level. Date of Birth: 9 March 2000 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2025: 5 Career Total: 5 Goals MFC 2025: 3 Career Total: 3 Games CDFC 2025: 10 Goals CDFC 2025: 20

Picked up late as a preseason supplemental selection after trialing with the West Coast Eagles, Henderson broke through for an AFL debut in Round 1. For the most part however, he struggled in the VFL but did get a contract extension for a further year. Date of Birth: 1 October 1999 Height: 177cm Games MFC 2025: 5 Career Total: 5 Goals MFC 2025: 2 Career Total: 2 Games CDFC 2025: 10 Goals CDFC 2025: 4

The Melbourne Football Club had already managed a number of significant achievements in 1925, having rising from equal last place to a position in the final four, a result of which it could be justifiably proud. However, with the arrival of the final series there was still much work to be done. Prior to the Albert Chadwick era of coaching, the team was seen as suffering from frequent changes in coaches which prevented the development of effective teamwork and strategies within the playing group. As noted by one football writer, Chadwick’s personality, intellect and profound knowledge of the game, was ideally suited for him to elevate Melbourne from its struggles. And, indeed, he did that. The final series of 1925 was to be his team’s first stepping stone. Semi Final, 1925 Melbourne met Geelong in the second semi-final in a game which was considered a virtual certainty for Geelong. After all, the Pivotonians from Corio Bay had played brilliantly all year to head the premiership list. Meanwhile Melbourne was handicapped by the absence of dependable goalkicker, Harold Moyes and dashing rover, Jimmy Davidson who both had been injured in training mishaps. However, to everyone’s surprise the club delighted its supporters by turning on a superlative performance to defeat the strong Geelong side, 14.17.101 to 13.8.86. Melbourne vs Geelong Saturday 26 September Venue: MCG Attendance: 51,256 MELBOURNE 3.9.27 8.10.58 13.13.91 14.17.101 GEELONG 1.1.7 5.2.32 9.5.59 13.8.86 Goalkickers: Percy Tulloh 5, Stan Wittman 3, Harry Davie 2, Hugh Dunbar 1, George Haines 1, Derek Mollison1, Richard Taylor 1 Playing in their first final since 1915, and just their fifth in VFL history, the Fuchsias weren’t at full strength going into the match against the minor premiers although Derek Mollison was able to use the team's week off after the Round 17 match to recover from a case of measles. Melbourne was already the underdog after poor early season form, but without two of their crucial players in Moyes and Davidson, it seemed even more unlikely that they would be able to beat the premiership favourites. They even lost the use of their dressing rooms after Geelong, who brought around 8,000 fans to the MCG for the game, won a toss of the coin and chose the more luxurious Melbourne rooms. Team B: Lilley, Coy, Streeter HB: Thomas, Chadwick, Corbett C: Collins, Taylor, Wilson HF: Jorgenson, Mollison, Wittman F: Duff, Davie, Dunbar Foll: Deane, Warne-Smith, Haines The teams had last played in Round 9 where Geelong had taken a quarter time lead of 40-1, but with the luck of playing the match on their own home ground and with the breeze in the first quarter Melbourne put in a stronger, faster and more determined effort to turn the tables and jump out to a handy early lead, putting 3.6 on the board in the first 15 minutes and eventually kicked the first 27 points unanswered. The red-hot favourite Geelong managed their first goal late in the term to cut the margin to 20 points at quarter time. The Blue and Whites steadied from there, with Lloyd Hagger kicking the first of a finals record equalling seven goals in the first 90 seconds of the second quarter, but Melbourne hit back and won the second quarter by a goal despite Geelong resorting to crowding tactics. With the wind subsiding slightly in the third quarter, Geelong performed significantly better than in the first, yet still trailed by a goal after George Haines kicked a running goal on the bell. Despite a late-quarter rally, the visitors failed to close the gap sufficiently to pose a threat, and Melbourne secured their first finals match victory since the 1900 Grand Final, posting their highest score of the year. The 27 goals kicked were the most ever in a finals match to that point. The Redlegs lost the free kick count 53-51. The Governor-General Lord Forster and the Governor the Earl of Stradbroke both came to the ground for the end of the match after attending the Moonee Valley races. The standout performers were Wittman, Taylor, and Haines, and amidst jubilant scenes in the dressing rooms, the Redlegs prepared themselves for a Preliminary Final clash against Collingwood. Under the existing system of finals, Geelong, as the top side after the home and away round of matches, then had the right to challenge the victor for the premiership in a grand final. Preliminary Final, 1925 Collingwood vs Melbourne Saturday 3 October Venue: MCG Attendance: 49,833 MELBOURNE 2.2.14 3.4.22 3.5.23 3.8.26 COLLINGWOOD 1.3.9 4.8.32 5.9.39 8.15.63 Goalkickers: Bob Corbett 1, Richard Taylor 1, Percy Tulloh 1 The stage was now set for Melbourne to play Collingwood, who had defeated Essendon in the other semi-final, in the preliminary final match. Following their success over Geelong, they were confident of defeating the Magpies to secure the right to compete in what would have been only the second Grand Final in their history. Melbourne went into the game with an unchanged side and started well enough when it took the lead after kicking with the advantage of the breeze in the opening term. The lead at the first break however, was simply not enough and the Fuchsias gradually faded away as the game went on. The outcome was a debacle, with only half of the side performing to its potential. Injuries to Taylor, Hugh Dunbar, and Davie further complicated matters, forcing Melbourne to conclude the game with only 15 fit players. Ivor Warne-Smith delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing his prowess and driving Collingwood back repeatedly. In the third quarter, he secured at least nine marks in eleven minutes, a testament to his outstanding skill. This extraordinary individual display unequivocally demonstrated his greatness. Collingwood had established a ten-point advantage by half-time and subsequently dictated the pace of the game, preventing Melbourne from scoring after the main break and effectively eliminating them from the competition. The standout performers for Melbourne were Warne-Smith, Corbett, and Thomas. Injuries sustained during the game included concussion to Davie, back and leg issues for Taylor, and an unspecified injury to Dunbar. Notably, Ivor Warne-Smith was found to be playing despite suffering from broken ribs incurred the previous week. The result was exceedingly disappointing as the team failed entirely to replicate its previous exemplary performance, and although holding a weight advantage of almost two pounds per man, too many players allowed themselves to be overwhelmed and effectively excluded from the game. In the grand final, Geelong exhibited its own aggression, matching Collingwood’s vigour, to secure its first-ever VFL premiership in a highly popular victory. Melbourne had, however, taken several important steps forward in its own pursuit of a pennant and, as the season ticked over, it looked ahead with apprehension for what was to come. MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB 1925 STATISTICS Played Goals Cannan, J. H.* 5 8 Chadwick, A. E. 18 1 Corbett, R. J 19 2 Davidson, J. 13 7 Davie, H.J. 19 56 Deane, C. F.* 16 21 Donnelly, G. V.* 12 4 Dunbar, Hugh 19 4 Haines, G. V. 19 5 James, C. T.* 1 2 Jorgensen, F.* 10 1 Mollison, C. D 19 9 Moyes, H. M.* 12 26 Shelton, W. H. H 4 1 Taylor, R. J. 19 5 Tymms, W. J.* 2 1 Warne-Smith, I. P. 18 7 Wittman, S. L. 19 2 Collins, J. A. 19 - Coy, H. F. 19 - Ewer, R. J. 1 - Lilley, C. H. 6 - Parker, J.* 1 - Richardson, F. B.* 2 - Streeter, C. 17 - Sullivan, J.A.* 6 - Thomas, E.H. 15 - Wilson, A.M. 3 - Wright, M 1 - Wyatt, C.* 1 - Tulloh, A. P. 7 12 Games won: 13 Games lost: 5 Tied: 1 Games won at home: 8 Games won away: 5 Number of players: 31 New players: 11 ** Indicates new player

An exciting young key forward, Kentfield was selected in the 2024 mid-season draft but has yet to make his AFL debut. He was sidelined by a severe bout of pneumonia over the summer, which consequently limited his pre-season. Upon his return a month into the season, he commenced in defence but ultimately impressed with his progress at Casey, particularly in the latter part of the season as a strong marking goal kicking forward. Date of Birth: 10 September 2005 Height: 194cm Games CDFC 2025: 17 Goals CDFC 2025: 24

I found this newspaper article from 1966 when Melbourne was in a steep decline after its golden era. Note the last sentence of the article - “Melbourne's last nine scoring kicks were behinds.” Nothing’s changed.

Moniz-Wakefield tore his ACL late in a practice match at Arden Street and is progressing well with his rehab. The club showed faith in the 21 year old medium sized defender by signing a one-year extension in August. Date of Birth: 26 October 2003 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 6 Goals MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 0

The tall former Eagle was added to Melbourne's list at the final moment after Andy Moniz-Wakefield suffered his season-ending ACL injury. Following a solid season at VFL level, he earned a senior debut late in the year in the midfield against his old side. His form was impressive, and he will remain with the Demons, with the prospect of lots more football at the elite level. Date of Birth: 24 February 2003 Height: 194cm Games MFC 2025: 4 Career Total: 16 Goals MFC 2025: 3 Career Total: 10 Games CDFC 2025: 14 Goals CDFC 2025 7

Progressive voting after 6 rounds 82. Tyla Hanks 73. Kate Hore 41. Maeve Chaplin 40. Elizabeth McNamara 36. Tayla Harris 24. Eden Zanker 20. Megan Fitzsimon 15. Shelley Heath Olivia Purcell 14. Paxy Paxman 4. Lauren Pearce Saraid Taylor 2. Maggie Mahony Ryleigh Wotherspoon 1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir

Melbourne’s response to last week’s heartbreak was emphatic, as the Demons delivered a statement win over West Coast at a windswept Casey Fields. All of the pre-match hype surrounded the coach’s box matchup of Mick Stinear up against his apprentice, Daisy Pearce along with the gloomy weather forecast. In the end, it was less about tactical chess and more about Melbourne’s relentless execution. With rain looming, the DeeArmy and early birds snapped up the best undercover viewing spots. Daisy was warmly welcomed back onto the oval, a familiar figure now in unfamiliar colours. Last week’s narrow 2-point loss by Melbourne at Alberton Oval had motivated the Dees’ senior players to redeem themselves and put on a show for their former captain, Daisy. From the first bounce, Melbourne looked locked in, hungry, and united. West Coast simply couldn’t stem the Demon onslaught which, in the end, was a 50-point drubbing with our early midfield clearance dominance leading to deep inside fifties (47, 25) and piling on goals. Eden Zanker (9 marks) was unstoppable kicking five goals by half time, and the Demons had scored ten unanswered goals by 3/4 time. Surely, ten coach’s votes are heading her way? Tayla Harris continued her stellar 2025 season, kicking two goals and being dynamic around the ground and at ball ups. Lauren Pearce bounced back from her quiet game against Matilda Scholz to dominate Lakay and remind the competition how good she is. Fortress Casey Fields once again proved a happy hunting ground for the red and blue. Although the weather was typically blowy in the first half it was gentle thereafter. Happily, the rain stayed away until the match had concluded but it certainly caused plenty of havoc on the Monash on the trip home. The match The dangerous forward group was on song for three quarters. WCE co-captain Charlie Thomas defended well (26 disposals, 406 metres gained) but was unable to stem the scoring flow. Ella Roberts and Abbygail Bushby were excellent for the Eagles.The Dees midfield dominated clearances early with Pearce (20 hitouts, 6 clearances), Tyla Hanks (18 disposals, 3 clearances), Kate Hore, Megan Fitzsimon, Maeve Chaplin, Shelley Heath, and milestoner Eliza McNamara all shining. The Eagles won the last quarter three goals to nil to salvage some pride for next week. The big win sees Melbourne second on the ladder with 5 wins 1 loss and a percentage of 243.2% and some more winnable games ahead. Match moment Young small forward and high draft pick Alyssia Pisano appeared to gain early confidence with clean hands in several fast passages of play. Her moment came in the third quarter when she positioned herself well to receive and then expertly kick a post-high goal in heavy traffic. More of this please, Alyssia! Milestone Midfield dynamo Eliza McNamara, celebrating 50 games of AFLW, was in everything all day to be amongst the best players on the ground (24 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles). Our number 22 is so courageous, competitive and consistent. When Lize smiles we smile with her. Congrats. Nice post-game interview too. Meggs’ musings Fresh out of rehab, Goldie and Gillard slotted seamlessly back into defence, true pros both. Sinead’s energy and pressure a real feature. So great to have them both back. And with a full complement of defensive troops in situ, Mick Stinear allowed Maeve Chaplin to join the mids for some action and she certainly impressed. All the first and second year players, Wotherspoon, Pisano, Ebert, O’Hehir and Mahony contributed well and are building confidence. Melbourne’s skip, Kate Hore, added two more goals and sits atop the all-time AFLW goalkicking tally with 93 goals. The upcoming four matches, Suns (at Casey), the injury-ravaged Bombers (Ikon), Dockers (Perth) and Swans (Casey) are all winnable games. Coaches and Next Week Meggs could not find a Mick Stinear post-match interview. Daisy Pearce said their start was really disappointing coming up against an experienced side like Melbourne and were given a lesson (particularly in the first half). We certainly did Dais’ 😊😊. Next week: Gold Coast at Casey Fields, Friday 1:05pm. A five-day break and then back at the Ede Field of Dreams. Let’s stay focussed, Dees. MELBOURNE 4.3.27 7.7.49 10.11.71 10.13.73 WEST COAST EAGLES 0.2.2 0.3.3 0.4.4 3.5.23 GOALS MELBOURNE Zanker 5, Harris 2, Hore 2, Pisano WEST COAST is rEAGLES Gibson, Lakay, Wakfer BEST MELBOURNE Zanker, McNamara, Hanks, Fitzsimon, Pearce WEST COAST EAGLES Bushby, Roberts, Thomas, Wakfer, Britton INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil WEST COAST EAGLES Lewis (hip) CROWD 1,557 at Casey Field