Demonland

See you Monday Kingy

Geelong’s percentage is going to take a hit.

Free kick Geelong

Brisbane Melbourning their way through the game.

Hopefully our new coach can bring some of that Free Kick Geelong energy with him.

Free kick Geelong 11-3

The captains for the 1959 VFL Grand Final - John Beckwith (Melbourne) and Jack Clarke (Essendon). The Demons won 17.13.115 to the Bombers 11.12.78

Progressive Totals 98. Tyla Hanks 79. Kate Hore 51. Maeve Chaplin 41. Tayla Harris Elizabeth McNamara 35. Megan Fitzsimon 24. Eden Zanker 15. Shelley Heath Olivia Purcell 14. Paxy Paxman 12. Ryleigh Wotherspoon 4. Lauren Pearce Saraid Taylor 2. Maggie Mahony 1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir

Adams persevered over three seasons with the Casey Demons, achieving notable progress as a key defender at VFL level this year to earn a senior debut late in the season. Although he didn’t set the world on fire, he put in a commendable performance against star Bulldog key forwards, which bodes well for his future prospects. Date of Birth: 14 May 2004 Height: 196cm Games MFC 2025 1 Career Total: 1 Goals MFC 2025 0 Career Total 0 Games CDFC 2025: 17 Goals CDFC 2025: 1

Hore worked diligently to be given a second opportunity at AFL football at the club following an injury-plagued stint the first time around. However, at the age of 29, the defender suffered a significant setback with a torn ACL and ruptured biceps tendon in a VFL game in mid-season, signalling the likely end of his career at the elite level. He has been delisted. Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 191cm Games MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 20 Goals MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 1 Games CDFC 2025: 4 Goals CDFC 2025: 0

The forecast said wind. The ladder said mismatch. The scoreboard said obliteration. Melbourne didn’t just beat Gold Coast — they dismantled them: 13.15 (93) to 0.6 (6). An 87-point obliteration, the Suns held goalless, and the Demons delivering their second-highest winning margin and third-highest score in AFLW history. Kate Hore surprised her coach by winning the toss and electing to kick to the Clyde end — into the breeze. He should have known it was all part of the plan. Within seconds of the opening bounce Melbourne had goaled via the talented Megan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzsimon and then with the wind at our backs in the last quarter, the Dees piled on 6 unanswered goals. The Suns had wilted, and Lily wished she wasn’t here. It all started with clean ball handling from the middle led by Tyla Hanks (25 disposals, 392 metres gained) whose sublime skills in traffic set the tone for a best-on-ground performance. Maeve Chaplin (8 marks, 638 metres gained) was brilliant mopping up from defence and spending time in the centre square. Fitzy (21 disposals, 15 tackles) had one of the best games of her career, and was everywhere — tackling, clearing, and creating. The versatile Tayla Harris was even taking the kickouts, bombing to the centre square. For the Suns, they lost important midfielder Claudia Whitford to a first quarter hamstring, Taya Oliver was off for some time, while Clara Fitzpatrick and Jacq Dupuy were hurt late in the game. Havana Harris showed glimpses of her talent and Charlie Rowbottom threw herself into battle but needed more support. It was a dismal team effort from the Suns. The match The infamous Casey breeze was blowing a gale, but the Demons kicked into it like it was a tailwind. Paxy Paxman and Tyla Hanks led the early blitz, combining for 15 disposals in the first term. The Suns had some first quarter moments edging the inside-50 count but just couldn’t convert their chances. Melbourne did — 3.2 to 0.3 at quarter time. With the goal tally building rapidly, it was notable that the names Zanker and Hore were missing from the score sheet. Kate had been mistiming her kicks in the wind but shone late in the game with two classy majors to take her career tally to 95 goals. The Suns were eclipsed, and the Dees had unleashed carnage. Match moment We must give praise to Ry Wotherspoon (17 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 marks, 338 metres gained) who was super impressive in a break-out game. The fourth-highest ranked player on the ground showcased her clean hands and strong presence around the ball.Her best moment came on the run, accepting a lovely Paxy handpass and snapping truly into the wind. Best game so far. Meggs’ musings Melbourne sits at 6 wins, 1 loss but all seven matches have been against teams outside the eight. Our soft draw is in stark contrast to last year however, we are pitted against top eight teams Swans, Geelong and Brisbane in the final home and away games. Fitzy, Maevo, and Hanksy — everywhere, Demon dominators. Melbourne’s defence held Gold Coast goalless — a rare feat in AFLW. Rhyce Shaw’s first game coaching against Melbourne? Unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. The upcoming matches are the Bombers (Ikon), who kept the all-conquering North Melbourne goalless in the first quarter on Friday, and an interstate trip to Perth to play the Dockers. Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear was pleased his team produced a four-quarter effort after last week’s lapse against West Coast. He praised Fitzy who has excelled in the midfield and helps cover the loss of Liv Purcell. He believes his Dees are well set up to tackle the remainder of the season. Rhyce Shaw said his team did not show the level required to play AFLW today. Next week: Essendon at Ikon Park, Friday 7:15pm. Get along if you can - Princes Park is always a vibe. C’mon, Dees. MELBOURNE 3.2.20 6.6.42 7.10.52 13.15.93 GOLD COAST SUNS 0.3.3 0.4.4 0.6.6 0.6.6 GOALS MELBOURNE Bannan Harris, Hore 2, Fitzsimon, Gall, Hanks, McNamara, Paxman, Pisano, Wotherspoon GOLD COAST SUNS Nil BEST MELBOURNE Hanks, Harris, Hore, Chaplin, Fitzsimon GOLD COAST SUNS Harris, Rowbottom, McLaughlin, Clayden INJURIES MELBOURNE Zanker (head knock) GOLD COAST SUNS Whitfort (right hamstring), Fitzpatrick (left arm), Dupuy (head knock) CROWD 1,557 at Casey Fields

It was a tough ask for him to break through as a 199cm ruckman in the shadow of an all-time great in that position who is also the club captain. He had some good days at Casey but was unable to progress and was delisted at the end of the season. Date of Birth: 11 March 2004 Height: 199cm Games CDFC 2025: 19 Goals CDFC 2025: 5

The 33-year-old Campbell has yet to play AFL football for Melbourne, but his Casey form has been strong and he has been retained as a ready-made ruck depth option who is widely regarded as someone who is excellent for the culture of the club. Date of Birth: 2 November 1991 Height: 201cm Games MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 58 Goals MFC 2025: 0 Career Total: 30 Games CDFC 2025: 17 Goals CDFC 2025: 7

Tyla Hanks is leading the pack as we head into the second half of the season. Who will kick us off with the votes from today’s game at Casey Fields?

Clue: the game is being played at Windy Hill.

The Demons acquired an interesting player in Sharp, who narrowly missed securing a spot in the Lions’ premiership team last year. The 22-year-old medium forward played in the opening round this season and ended up with 18 senior games, although he was substituted in or out in for ten of those matches. He demonstrated glimpses of form, but ultimately ended the year on the margins of the team. Date of Birth: 17 December 2002 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2025: 18 Career Total: 34 Goals MFC 2025: 8 Career Total: 12 Games CDFC 2025: 3 Goals CDFC 2025: 8

Worked his way back after a slow start and a further slump in form going into the midseason but became a solid contributor for the club in the latter half of 2025. Closing in on 300 goals for the club. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2025: 22 Career Total: 171 Goals MFC 2025: 36 Career Total: 288 Games CDFC 2025: 1 Goals CDFC 2025: 1

Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central2025 National Under 17 Futures squads finalisedThe 2025 National Under 17 Futures squad will represent Team Boak and Team Docherty in Saturday's Grand Final curtain-raiser.