Demonland

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

Master and the Apprentice Epic battle alert. This Sunday, Casey Fields hosts a coach’s showdown pitting the wits of the master Mick Stinear (92 games, 71.7% win rate) against his protégé Daisy Pearce (16 games, 43.8%). Still early in her coaching journey, Daisy’s record doesn’t yet reflect her impact — but she’s already the best-performed coach at West Coast. Dais’ is mythic. Like Katniss Everdeen, everyone either wants to kiss her, kill her (sporting metaphor) or be her. To others Daisy Pearce is a role model, someone admired for their heart, humility and humour. After taking maternity leave during the 2019 AFLW season to care for her twins Sylvie and Roy, she returned to conquer the football world captaining the Demons 2022 Season 7 premiership team. Casey Fields will be as familiar to Daisy as her old footy boots. She will instruct her charges as to its nuances and have her team primed, ready for action. Mick on the other hand will be shedding any negative juju from last week’s shock loss to the Power and will fully expect a bounce back aided by the welcome return of defensive divas Goldie and Gillard. Forecast: 14 degrees, overcast, showers likely, and a Casey wind to boot. A true leveller. The Match-up It’s 2nd versus 7th. The Demons have four wins and a percentage of 228.8%, while the Eagles have three wins and 124.5%. On paper, we hold the edge, but footy isn’t played on spreadsheets — it’s at Casey. West Coast and Melbourne have met 3 times, with the Demons victorious on each occasion. The Eagles have a developing group of young stars. Watch out for Ella Roberts, Bella Lewis, Courtney Rowley, Charlie Thomas and the speedster Mikayla Western. For the Dees, we will be hoping our key forwards Alyssa Bannan, Georgia Gall, and Eden Zanker bring their kicking boots this week as Meggs expects our midfield to provide lots of forward-fifty opportunities. Leaders, Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks are having stellar seasons, as is Maeve Chaplin, and with this week’s defensive line inclusions, expect the fly-in Eagles to find it hard to kick a winning score. Selection this week Fantastic news. Sinead Goldrick and Tahlia Gillard return to add defensive steel. Their presence will not only shore up our backline but inject confidence across the field. If, as predicted, the weather is inclement there may be talls substituted for smalls as we appeared top-heavy in the wind last week. Did anyone catch former Eagles skipper Emma Swanson’s ill-advised strike on Freo’s Gaby O’Sullivan? A one-week penalty. It’s footy, not boxing, Emma. Milestone - Eliza Congratulations to our number 22, fan-favourite Eliza McNamara, on playing 50 games. Lize continues to amaze us with her energy, courage, footy nous and her smile. She’s the heartbeat of our midfield — relentless, reliable, and radiant. In the last 12 games she has averaged 23 disposals (10 contested), 5.4 tackles and nearly 400 metres gained. A Dee-star and a joy to watch week in, week out. Meggs’ musings Weathering the Storm With Casey’s notorious wind and wet forecast, this won’t be a pretty game. Expect a bruising midfield battle, and don’t be surprised if the scoreboard reflects the conditions more than the talent on display. Watch the Wings With Daisy’s inside knowledge of the Field of Dreams, expect West Coast to exploit the wide spaces and test our outside run. Players like Ella Roberts and Bella Lewis could be key in breaking lines but it cuts both ways. Meggs is backing in Paxy, Heater and Lize to excel on Sunday. With both teams coming off losses last week, there’s no room for complacency. Bring the hunger, Dees — and feast on the opportunity. Melbourne starts favourites ($1.20). May the odds be ever in our favour. C’mon Dees! Tip: Melbourne by 11. PS: Don’t forget to pack your poncho. THE GAME Round 6: Melbourne v West Coast Eagles Sunday 21 September 2025 at 1:05pm (AEST) at Casey Fields, Melbourne – Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 3 wins | West Coast Eagles 0 wins At Casey Fields: Melbourne 2 wins | West Coast Eagles 0 wins Coaches: Stinear 0 wins | Pearce 0 wins MEDIA COVERAGE 7, 7Plus, Foxtel, Kayo AFL Live Official App THE LAST TIME THEY MET Season 8, Round 7 – 15 October 2023 at Lathlain Park Narrm 11.16 (82) defeated West Coast 2.0 (12) by 70 points. The Narrm offensive was in full swing for this crushing away win against the Weagles. Fan-favourite Alyssa Bannan starred with 10 score involvements, a career-best 5 goals plus she earned the maximum 10 Coaches Votes. Mick Stinear praised the high-performance team for their work in building the sides fitness and strength, and who embraced the hot stifling conditions much better than West Coast. By contrast, Eagles coach Michael Prior unwisely slammed the AFL about its scheduling. Although he later backpedalled the comments, the damage was done and he lost his job. Every cloud has a silver lining, with Prior replaced by Demon legend, Daisy Pearce. NARRM 4.1.25 4.3.27 8.10.58 11.16.82 WEST COAST EAGLES 1.0.6 2.0.12 2.0.12 2.0.12 GOALS NARRM Bannan 5, Hore 2, Zanker 2, A Mackin, Sherriff WEST COAST EAGLES Gibson, Rowley BEST NARRM Bannan, Purcell, West, B Mackin, Hore, Hanks WEST COAST EAGLES Thomas, Roberts, Smith, Gooch CROWD 1,232 at Mineral Resources Park THIS WEEK’S TEAMS MELBOURNE FB [28] Saraid Taylor [17] Tahlia Gillard HB [23] Sinead Goldrick [13] Maeve Chaplin [19] Laela Ebert C [22] Eliza McNamara [5] Tyla Hanks [4] Paxy Paxman HF [24] Megan Fitzsimon [6] Alyssa Bannan [29] Eden Zanker FF [7] Tayla Harris [9] Georgia Gall FOL [15] Lauren Pearce [10] Kate Hore [30] Shelley Heath I/C (from) [1] Georgia Campbell [12] Ryleigh Wotherspoon [20] Maggie Mahony [33] Lily Johnson [32] Gabrielle Colvin [3] Alyssia Pisano [11] Molly O'Hehir [43] Jemma Rigoni IN [17] Tahlia Gillard [23] Sinead Goldrick [3] Alyssia Pisano WEST COAST EAGLES FB [22] Georgia Cleaver [16] Zoe Wakfer HB [7] Jessica Rentsch [24] Annabel Johnson [3] Charlotte Thomas C [18] Jaide Britton [4] Ella Roberts [21] Mikayla Western HF [32] Kayla Dalgleish [1] Lauren Wakfer [15] Abbygail Bushby FF [2] Kellie Gibson [6] Isabella Lewis FOL [23] Sarah Lakay [5] Courtney Rowley [10] Alison Drennan I/C (from) [26] Lucy Boyd [12] Charlotte Riggs [27] Liz McGrath[9] Roxanne Roux [19] Amy Franklin [20] Sanne Bakker [25] Kayley Kavanagh [14] Belinda Smith IN Annabel Johnson, Lucy Boyd, Sanne Bakker, Kayley Kavanagh, Belinda Smith OUT Emma Swanson (suspended) Lucia Painter (injured) Injury List: Round 6 Melbourne Tahlia Gillard — knee / Test Sinéad Goldrick — shoulder / Test Denby Taylor foot — foot / 1 week Sarah Lampard — calf / 3 - 4 weeks Grace Beasley — knee / 4 - 6 weeks Blaithin Mackin — knee / 5 - 7 weeks Olivia Purcell — knee / Season Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive West Coast Eagles Lucy Boyd — ankle / Test Belinda Smith — quad / Test Annabel Johnson — knee / 1 week Sanne Bakker — illness : 2 - 3 weeks Beth Schilling — foot / Season

The Melbourne Demons look set to prioritise youth as they embark on a new era under the leadership of Steven King, so 33-year-old Steven May has been advised to look for a new club. With a year to run on his contract, the Demons will have to delist and pay May out if they want to shift him off the books, but what opportunities are there for him? May has played 128 times for Melbourne since joining ahead of the 2019 season after 123 outings for Gold Coast where he was co-captain. He is also a two-time All-Australian and 2021 premiership player. He will turn 34 ahead of the 2026 season. So where does he stand to be in a few months from now? SEN's David King believes the Western Bulldogs would benefit from May's presence, even if they have said they are not interested. "I don’t mind this type of player," David King said on SEN's Fireball when asked about May's future. "Everyone says he’s a bad egg but he's been a high level competitor and performer. "I don't mind the fact this guy has been tipped out. He will be angry next year, wherever he plays. "Maybe no one takes a risk on him but you want to make sure you have got better at your disposal than Steven May. "I'm looking at the Dogs and their back six needs something. I don’t know if they have someone else in mind. I want to see who they can get but May is someone I think could help their back six." Amid seemingly relentless reports that players are wanting out of the current deals either in pursuit of a "better club" or more money, King and Kane Cornes debated the issue of clubs regaining some power and having the ability to push talent out. "I think outside looking in it’s seen as a shock, but I think players would know," King said. "They will have been advised multiple times particularly back-half of the year that they're on the edge and that there’s no guarantees. "Whether it’s age related, form related or just the fact the club’s going a different direction, I think it’s ok to have those conversations. "They have their contracts and they get their money. Whether they get another opportunity or not at another club, it’s good to give them that chance and to get your manager active. "I think it’s a good, honest sensible conversation."

Off the market …

Enough of the personal attacks guys.

Steven King’s first piece of business as Melbourne’s new coach could be securing Max Gawn’s potential successor as the club prepares for a busy trade period, with new leaders appointed to key positions. The 2007 Geelong premiership ruckman had his official introduction as coach at the MCG on Monday, and spent the afternoon with Demons football boss Alan Richardson, list manager Tim Lamb and national recruiting manager Jason Taylor. Big list decisions are expected at Melbourne under new coach Steven King, but the moves might be less dramatic than in previous years. Premiership midfielders and club greats Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were undoubtedly on the agenda, along with Saint Marcus Windhager, Magpie Brody Mihocek, and Suns Sam Flanders and Malcolm Rosas jnr. Collingwood veteran Mihocek received a three-year offer from the Demons – potentially two seasons with a trigger attached – to end his career at Melbourne. He has been holding off on any decision relating to his future until the Magpies’ premiership tilt is over. Another was promising St Kilda ruckman Max Heath, who is out of contract and keen to play for Melbourne. Nothing is locked in yet, but the Demons presented to Heath and discussed a three-year deal, according to a source familiar with negotiations who wished to remain anonymous. However, King, as the incoming coach and a fellow big man, will have input in Heath’s recruitment. Max Heath wants to get to Melbourne in the trade period, with the Demons also targeting Brody Mihocek. Melbourne were the first of several rival clubs to express interest in Heath – the No.7 pick in the 2021 mid-season draft, who played his first four AFL games this season – and he hopes to play for them from next year. A trade will need to be brokered, but the reason for Heath wanting to leave is the path to eventually being the Dees’ No.1 big man, on top of Tom De Koning’s free agency arrival at Moorabbin. Contracted Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall is also weighing up the possibility of joining Geelong. The 22-year-old demonstrated at AFL and VFL level that he can make an impact up forward as well, so there is a possibility he could play alongside Gawn in the senior side while learning from the eight-time All-Australian. The Saint has a long-term friendship with Windhager, another Demons trade target, from their time playing junior football together at Beaumaris. Windhager is due to return from his New Zealand holiday in the coming days and is expected to make a call on his future no later than early next week. However, Windhager’s preference is to remain at St Kilda, despite the Demons and North Melbourne making compelling rival offers. Melbourne have re-signed Tom Campbell as ruck insurance, but have struggled to unearth other big man options, with none of Will Verrall, Tom Fullarton, Josh Schache or Kyah Farris-White still on the list. The one-season experiment trying to partner Brodie Grundy with Gawn, who turns 34 in December, also did not work, with Grundy traded to Sydney. On Monday, King’s public stance on Petracca and Oliver was that they were “both superstars of the competition” and that he would take pride in helping them return to the peak of their powers. However, Oliver’s attempt to cross to Geelong in last year’s trade period was still a talking point at the Demons’ club champion function last week, where Gawn won his third best-and-fairest award. Petracca is contracted until 2029, while Oliver is tied to the red and blue until 2030. Judd McVee, Taj Woewodin and Jack Henderson are Melbourne’s remaining out-of-contract players. Woewodin will have to wait until after the trade period to discover his fate, but Henderson will be on the Demons’ list next season. McVee, who has opposition interest, including from his home state of Western Australia, will speak to King about his role before making a call on his future.

Melbourne legend Garry Lyon has ruled out any possibility of Christian Petracca leaving the Demons for the Adelaide Crows. Recent reports revealed that both Petracca and the Melbourne Demons were open to shifting the 29-year-old, communicating peacefully following a tumultuous off-season in 2024. And as recently as Tuesday morning, it was further reported that the Adelaide Crows were preparing to make a play for the superstar midfielder, who would be open to a move interstate. With Petracca opting against a demand against the club, Lyon believes that the superstar won’t be going anywhere and is certain that the Crows’ potential trade package wouldn’t satisfy the Dees’ asking price. “My answer to that is the same as for Carlton with Charlie (Curnow), and even Zach (Merrett) with Essendon,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast. “No, he isn’t going to Adelaide, unless you turn around and say here’s Riley Thilthorpe and a draft pick, or here is two first rounders… “It’s all good and well to say it, but the next thing is to get it done. Last year I was a thousand percent no, keep Christian and I think they can turn it around. “If he still has issues after 12 months, and I don’t know if he has, let him sit down with Steven King first. Let those two have time together first and then maybe issues will be resolved. “If Adelaide wants Christian Petracca, then tell me how it’s going to get done? Because Pick 14 isn’t anywhere close to getting it done.” Referencing the nature of high-profile trades, Lyon believes that it is up to the clubs seeking top-end talent to put a commanding case forward to invite a deal, rather than the other way around. “I was only just throwing out Riley Thilthorpe - of course I know they’re not going to trade Riley Thilthorpe,” Lyon admitted. “But this is what I’m saying – you can’t just say, ‘I want Zak Butters to come and play at Melbourne’. Well, so does everyone. How are you going to get him? What have you got? “We’ve got two draft picks and this player – now it’s a serious conversation. I think any team that comes after Petracca or Curnow or anyone like that – you have got to command! “This is the interesting thing with Merrett and Hawthorn – I think it’s incumbent upon Hawthorn now, having exposed the gap between Hawthorn and Essendon, picked at the seam and now it’s unravelled, it’s incumbent for them to get the deal done. “Not to play hardball, because then if I’m Essendon, I get my back up even more and go, ‘guess what, we are going to trade Zach, you’ve been part of unravelling it and that’s okay, but he isn’t going to you.”