In a thrilling AFLW encounter, Melbourne's Demons secured a dominant 56-point victory over the Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields. The match marked a significant turnaround for the Demons, who had previously lost all three encounters against the Lions since 2022. Key players Ryleigh Wotherspoon and Talia Gillard led the charge, with Wotherspoon booting three goals and Gillard delivering a career-best performance under new coach Tom Wilson. The win solidified Melbourne's start to the season, with Wilson replacing veteran Mick Stinear after a decade at the club. The Lions faced a shell-shocked defense and multiple injuries, including key players sidelined due to the toll of recent matches. The Demons' victory not only ended their losing streak against Brisbane but also showcased their resilience and tactical adaptability under Wilson's guidance. This result highlights Melbourne's growing dominance in the AFLW competition, setting the stage for a strong campaign ahead.

Melbourne coach Steven King has transformed the Demons into a formidable AFL force in 2026, leading them to unexpected success despite significant player losses. After inheriting a team missing key stars like Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, King's emphasis on speed, modern football tactics, and fostering a 'fun' culture has reinvigorated the squad. His leadership has resulted in six wins from seven matches, with the Demons climbing to fifth on the ladder. The article highlights how King's approach—combining hard truths with player empowerment—has dismantled the myth that ruckmen can't coach, as evidenced by his success against top teams like Fremantle. Despite challenges such as legal issues and player absences, King's strategic vision and ability to unite his squad have positioned Melbourne as genuine premiership contenders.

In a pulsating AFL encounter at the MCG, Melbourne Demons secured a narrow four-point victory over flag favourites Fremantle Dockers, showcasing resilience and tactical nous. The Demons trailed by three points at half-time before overcoming an eight-point deficit in the final quarter to claim the win. Key performers included Harrison Petty (three goals), Jye Amiss (five goals for Fremantle), and Harry Sharp (three goals). Melbourne's victory solidifies their finals aspirations, while Fremantle faces critical lessons from the MCG showdown. The match highlighted Geelong Cats' dominance over the Bombers, with Ollie Dempsey and Shannon Neale leading the charge. Coach Steven King praised his team's determination to 'take a scalp,' emphasizing their commitment to competing on the big stage. The result positions Melbourne as a genuine finals contender, while Fremantle's struggles against top teams underscore challenges ahead. With key players like Max Gawn (16 possessions) and Kysaiah Pickett (27 disposals) contributing significantly, the Demons' victory reflects their growing strength in the 2026 season.

The AFL round 22 clash between ladder-leading Fremantle and top-four contender Melbourne is set to be a pivotal match, with the battle between ruckmen Max Gawn and Luke Jackson at the heart of the action. The Demons aim to test their finals form against the Dockers, while the contest could influence the All-Australian ruck selection. Melbourne's key defender Daniel Turner is a major inclusion to counter Fremantle's potent forward line. The match, scheduled for 1.15pm at the MCG, has drawn significant attention despite ongoing controversies surrounding Geelong's secret concussion clause with player Jake Kolodjashnij. While the club has since scrapped the agreement, former president Craig Drummond issued a statement addressing the matter. The lineups for both teams highlight strategic preparations, with Melbourne's backline and Fremantle's forward line set to dominate the proceedings. This match represents a critical opportunity for both teams to showcase their capabilities ahead of the finals campaign.

Melbourne Demons suffered a heavy 49-point defeat to the Greater Western Sydney Giants in Alice Springs, marking consecutive losses for the first time under coach Steven King. Despite dominating possession early, the Demons struggled with efficiency, allowing the Giants to pull away with a strong five-goal-to-two third quarter and a decisive final term. GWS impressed with slick transitions and standout performances from Finn Callaghan, Harvey Thomas, Connor Idun, Toby Greene, and Lachie Ash. The Giants' victory, 19.5 (119) to 9.16 (70), solidifies their climb towards the top 10, following last week's 14-goal third quarter demolition of reigning premiers Brisbane. Melbourne’s Jack Steele led with 25 disposals and 13 contested possessions, while Brody Mihocek contributed three goals. The match was also notable for a moment of silence in memory of former champion Neale Daniher. Elsewhere, Essendon prepared for their first match under interim coach Dean Solomon amidst injuries to key players and recent coaching staff departures, facing West Coast in Perth in challenging windy conditions. Solomon described the team as being in a positive mindset, hoping to bounce back despite the upheaval. The AFL round highlighted both GWS’s rising form and Melbourne’s ongoing mid-season struggles.

The Melbourne Demons are facing the GWS Giants in a 2026 AFL clash at Traeger Park in Alice Springs, with early momentum swinging between the two sides in warm Red Centre conditions. The match has drawn strong local support, with crowds typically ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 fans at the venue, where Melbourne has played regularly since 2014. The Demons entered the contest looking to improve a mixed record at the ground, having won only four of their previous 11 matches in Alice Springs, while GWS had claimed a narrow two-point victory over them there in 2024 in a game decided by goal-kicking accuracy. GWS started strongly, locking the ball in their forward half and opening a 12-point lead through early goals, including a major from skipper Toby Greene. Melbourne struggled to clear defence early, but responded with improved forward pressure. Young forward Latrelle Pickett was lively, creating scoring opportunities, including a key assist for Brody Mihocek, who marked strongly and converted to bring the Demons back into the contest. However, GWS responded quickly through Aaron Cadman, maintaining their lead in a fast-paced opening term. Melbourne skipper Max Gawn, speaking before the match, highlighted the challenges of playing in the Red Centre heat but expressed confidence that the team’s updated game style under coach Steven King would suit the expansive ground. Team selection changes also shaped the contest, with both sides making three adjustments, including the return of Mihocek and Pickett for Melbourne and the inclusion of key defenders Sam Taylor and Lachie Whitfield for the Giants. Overall, the match has opened as a tight, high-intensity contest with momentum shifting early and both sides showing attacking intent under Alice Springs conditions.

Melbourne Demons players are now allowed to make mistakes to try new plays. This changes how they play as the season gets harder.

The Western Bulldogs have secured a narrow three-point victory over Melbourne in a tense AFL clash defined by momentum swings, costly errors, and late-game heroics. Joel Freijah and Rhylee West combined in the final minutes to produce the match-winning play, with Freijah kicking the decisive goal just three minutes from full-time. Melbourne had a final opportunity to steal the win when Harvey Langford was positioned in the goal square with 20 seconds remaining, but he failed to complete the mark, allowing the Bulldogs to hold on. The match was marked by disciplinary lapses from the Bulldogs that nearly proved costly. Freijah became the first player penalised for taunting after rubbing an opponent’s head, resulting in a reversed free kick. West also gave away two 50-metre penalties that led directly to Melbourne goals. However, West redeemed himself with a crucial chase-down tackle in the final term, forcing a turnover that led to the decisive scoring chain. Coach Luke Beveridge revealed after the match that he had motivated his players with a story about Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, aiming to reinforce resilience after previous inconsistencies. The Bulldogs showed strong pressure around stoppages and improved centre-clearance efforts late in the game, even against Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn. Marcus Bontempelli was influential throughout, while Ed Richards and Ryley Sanders also played key roles in midfield. Melbourne, despite periods of dominance and moments from Kysaiah Pickett, were unable to convert key chances and failed to reach 100 points. Injuries and interruptions, including a concussion concern for Luke Cleary and a late setback for Jake Lever, added further disruption. Ultimately, the Bulldogs’ ability to withstand pressure and capitalise in the final moments proved decisive in a hard-fought contest.

Steven May opens up on his shock decision to retire from the AFL just two weeks before the season opener for Melbourne.

Steven May has retired from AFL after 251 games, with Melbourne reaching a confidential settlement just two weeks before the 2026 season opener.

Melbourne's Steven May has retired from AFL just days before the 2026 season, ending a 251-game career that included the 2021 premiership.

Melbourne's premiership full-back Steven May has retired with immediate effect, ending a 251-game AFL career days before the 2026 season opener.

Steven May has retired from the AFL on the eve of the 2026 season, ending a 251-game career that included Melbourne's 2021 premiership and two All-Australian titles.

...

...

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon for footy. Indigenous musicians played and Melbourne's team song was sung in Wurundjeri language pre-match. The Welcome to Country ceremony was performed by Aunty Joy...