Melksham Shines as Demons Upset Gold Coast in AFL Thriller
In an unexpected twist to the early AFL season, the Melbourne Demons secured a statement victory on Sunday, downing the previously unbeaten Gold Coast Suns 16.13 (109) to 14.5 (89) at the MCG. The upset win moves the Demons to a 3-1 record, defying pre-season predictions that the club would languish in the lower half of the ladder following a series of high-profile departures and a coaching transition.
The centerpiece of the match was 34-year-old forward Jake Melksham, whose performance underscored a remarkable late-career resurgence. After signing a one-year extension in 2026, Melksham—who earned the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy for Leadership in 2025—demonstrated why he remains the heartbeat of the Melbourne attack. He finished with four goals, including a spectacular grab that is already being hailed as a ‘Mark of the Year’ contender.
Melbourne’s 109-89 victory marks their third win of the season, vaulting them into sixth place on the AFL ladder.
The third-quarter highlight saw Melksham rise above Suns defender Sam Collins to haul in a contested grab that sent the 24,287-strong crowd into a frenzy. The moment drew instant praise from the broadcast booth.
“That’s the mark of the year so far and the best of his career.”
— Dermott Brereton, SEN
While Melksham provided the aerial fireworks, Kysaiah Pickett was equally instrumental, tallying 25 disposals and six clearances to help the Demons overcome a star-studded Suns engine room. Melbourne captain Max Gawn delivered a typically industrious display with 22 touches and a goal, while newcomer Jack Steele added significant depth to the rotation with 26 disposals.
The Demons successfully erased a 16-point deficit in the second quarter, utilizing a six-goal surge to shift momentum permanently in their favor.
Gold Coast, led by coach Damien Hardwick, struggled to regain control after halftime, frequently hampered by errors and critical 50-meter penalties. Despite losing the match, the Suns saw notable contributions from Ben King and Ethan Read, who scored three goals each. The defeat serves as the first blemish on the Suns’ record this season.
Jake Melksham’s four-goal return highlights a late-career surge, cementing his status as a pivotal leader for the rejuvenated Demons.
“Big fly Melksham. He got the perfect ride and the perfect look at it.”
— Jack Heverin, Channel 7
The victory serves as a tangible reward for the club’s efforts to reinvent its identity under new coach Steven King. The Demons will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming clash against Essendon at the Adelaide Oval, while the Suns will aim to bounce back next Saturday against the Sydney Swans at Norwood Oval.
