AFL 2025: Can Melbourne’s Veterans Restore Glory After a Troubled Year?
The Melbourne Demons entered the 2024 AFL season with high expectations, following a strong 2023 campaign that saw them finish fourth on the ladder. Despite a disappointing finals exit with narrow losses to Collingwood and Carlton, stability within the squad suggested the team was poised to contend again. However, injuries and internal challenges derailed their efforts, culminating in a dramatic fall to 14th place. Chief among these issues was a major injury to star Christian Petracca, which highlighted underlying tensions within the team and disrupted on-field performance.
Adding to the turbulence, the Demons faced significant personnel changes that further tested the club’s resilience. The premature retirement of Angus Brayshaw, due to medical advice, and Joel Smith’s legal troubles weighed heavily on the team’s morale. Another blow came with Alex Neal-Bullen’s departure to Adelaide for personal reasons. Neal-Bullen, a Top 100 game player and centurion goal scorer, left a void that Melbourne struggled to fill. These challenges make 2025 a pivotal year for the Demons, who are determined to reestablish their place as a formidable force in the league.
While Melbourne’s activity in the 2024 trade period was minimal, the team still boasts five players in the AFL’s Top 100 game list, including seasoned stars Max Gawn, Tom McDonald, and Jack Viney. Emerging talents like Jake Lever, Jake Melksham, and Steven May also have a chance to join this elite list in 2025, provided they remain fit and consistent. For Melbourne, these players represent a blend of experience and potential, key to reigniting the club’s competitive edge.
The Demons also retain a strong core of goal scorers. Standouts like Kysaiah Pickett and Jake Melksham continue to impress, while rising star Jacob Van Rooyen is tipped to break into the Top 100 goal scorers with a solid season. The absence of Neal-Bullen and the legacy of past players like John Lord and Charlie Lilley provide a historical perspective, reminding fans of Melbourne’s rich heritage and the weight of expectations.
As the 2025 AFL season looms, Melbourne faces a watershed moment. With experienced veterans anchoring the squad and promising younger players eager to step up, the Demons have the tools to rebuild. However, turning potential into performance will require unity, resilience, and a renewed focus on the club’s storied legacy. Melbourne’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as they aim to restore pride and passion to their game.
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