Melbourne Demons Deliver Stunning Upset Over Unbeaten Gold Coast Suns
In a thrilling AFL showdown at the MCG on Sunday, the Melbourne Demons orchestrated a remarkable 20-point upset victory over the previously undefeated Gold Coast Suns. The final scoreline read 16.13 (109) to 14.5 (89), marking a significant triumph for the Demons under new coach Steven King.
Star Performers Shine in Demons' Triumph
Jake Melksham, playing his first game of the season, was instrumental in the win, booting four crucial goals. His performance included a spectacular mark over Sam Collins and a successful long-range set shot, showcasing his veteran prowess. Reflecting on his highlight moment, Melksham told Channel 7, "When you take the mark you've got to finish your work. I've taken some small hangers and sometimes not finished it. Tried to make sure that I got one, take the moment and enjoy it."
Kysaiah Pickett also dazzled with 25 disposals, six clearances, and a goal, outshining Gold Coast's star-studded midfield. Captain Max Gawn led superbly with 22 touches and a goal, while recruit Jack Steele contributed 26 disposals and 11 clearances. Latrelle Pickett added spark in attack with a goal and eight score involvements.
Demons' Impressive Start Under New Leadership
This victory propels Melbourne to an impressive 3-1 start to the season under Coach Steven King, setting a positive tone ahead of their upcoming match against Essendon in AFL Gather Round. Melksham, who will celebrate his 250th AFL game next week, expressed excitement about the team's trajectory. "There is no way anyone in the footy fraternity thought that we were a shot at anything this year," he said. "To win these first three games and win the way that we're winning has been super exciting and we've come to shock the competition. We're getting up, we've got a side full of youth and excitement — modern-day players with speed and flair. We're having a good time out here."
Gold Coast's Struggles and Key Absences
Gold Coast suffered their first defeat of the season, notably without former Demon Christian Petracca, who missed the clash due to a hamstring injury. Despite efforts from players like Matt Rowell, who returned from a finger injury with 13 disposals, and captain Noah Anderson with 22 touches and seven clearances, the Suns were outplayed. Ben King, Ethan Read, Jed Walter, and Zeke Uwland all kicked multiple goals, but it wasn't enough to counter Melbourne's dominance.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
The Demons erased a 16-point deficit in the second quarter, with Melksham contributing two goals and Brody Mihocek adding two more. A six-goal quarter gave Melbourne an 8.8 to 8.2 lead at halftime, despite Gold Coast having the top seven disposal winners on the ground. In the third term, Gawn's set shot from 30 metres out extended the lead, and Kysaiah Pickett's late goal helped secure a 14-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Melksham kicked his fourth goal early in the last quarter, and when Langford scored his second at the six-minute mark, Melbourne looked assured of victory. Gold Coast pressed late, but the Demons held firm in defence, delighting the 24,287-strong crowd at the MCG.
This result underscores Melbourne's resurgence and sets up an intriguing season ahead, as they continue to defy expectations under their new coaching regime.
