Melbourne has delivered a stunning performance that ended Gold Coast’s unbeaten season, securing a remarkable victory at the MCG on Easter Sunday with a 20-point margin. The Demons showcased a revitalised approach under new coach Steven King and were driven by captain Max Gawn, who recently celebrated his 250th game in a comeback win against Carlton. Their fast-paced handball game and an impressive display from veteran Jake Melksham highlighted their success.
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick described the Demons as “underestimated” but admitted they “absolutely spanked” their opponents in the middle of the ground. Melbourne managed to hold on to a 16.13 (109) to 14.5 (89) victory, defying expectations and denying the visitors a well-anticipated win. Despite only 24,287 fans in attendance, the energy from the Demons’ supporters was palpable.
King expressed hope that both the team and fans were excited about the season so far, with Melbourne now sitting at 3-1. However, he noted that the team wasn’t aiming for perfection on the field.
“You’re never sure how quickly it can click, and to get to this point so far is pretty encouraging,” King said.
He praised the coaching group for their belief in the players and observed that the team was starting to believe in themselves. King also highlighted the growing camaraderie within the squad, noting that players were eager to celebrate each other’s achievements.
“What you’re after is a group of people who believe in each other and want to play for each other, and I think we are starting to see that unfold in front of our eyes,” he said.
Melksham shared his thoughts on the change in game plan under King, which placed more emphasis on freedom to move the ball.
“As a forward, the way we’re moving it helps old guys like me still look somewhat young,” Melksham joked.
The Suns felt the absence of star midfielder Christian Petracca, who missed the game due to a hamstring injury. However, they welcomed back Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell for the first time this season.
Hardwick admitted that the team looked flat at the start and struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match.
“I thought we looked a little bit flat to start, and probably that went throughout the game … we just couldn’t get our game up and going,” he said. “So what that comes down to, I don’t really know, but what I do know it’s hard to defend when they [Melbourne] move the ball so well.”
Despite the loss, Hardwick praised the team’s love for playing at the MCG and suggested that Gold Coast should be rewarded with more games there.
The Suns started brightly, with Ben King scoring the first goal and Ethan Read following soon after. Melbourne, however, missed several chances. A goal from Zeke Uwland, the No.2 draft pick, gave the Suns a lead in the first quarter.
A last-minute goal from Christian Salem reduced the gap to single digits, putting Melbourne in a strong position. An inspired second quarter saw Melksham score two consecutive goals, followed by Harvey Langford, giving the Demons the lead.
Gold Coast tried to push harder in the second half but made errors and conceded penalties, allowing Melbourne to extend their lead. A goal from Gawn and a running snap from Kysaiah Pickett sealed the advantage at three-quarter-time.
In the final quarter, the depleted Suns struggled to capitalise on key moments, missing crucial shots at goal. A frustrated Hardwick watched from the coaches’ box as Melbourne wrapped up the win with another goal from Melksham, along with contributions from Langford and Pickett.
Melbourne will next face the Bombers in the upcoming Gather Round in South Australia.
“We’ve got a six-day break now, we travel, our challenge now is to win on the road,” King said.
The Suns will need to bounce back against the ladder-leading Swans, who recently defeated West Coast.
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