DAISY PEARCE & CLAYTON OLIVER - SEASON REVIEW CHRISTIAN PETRACCA AFLW MICHAEL HIBBERD JAKE LEVER AND MORE - Amazon AWS
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2017 YEARBOOK THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB
L A Y T O N O L I VER
I S Y P E A R C E &C
DA
CO-PRINCIPAL
PARTNER
SEASON REVIEW CHRISTIAN PETRACCA AFLW MICHAEL HIBBERD JAKE LEVER AND MORE...
CO NTENTS
4 From the President and CEO
A
BITTERLY disappointing finish, but a points, with three defeats occuring by two points, in round one at Etihad Stadium, won in Alice Springs
6 Season Review
much-improved and exciting season from three and four respectively. Six of those 10 matches for the first time and produced a stunning victory
the Melbourne Football Club. That was the were by three goals or fewer. – courtesy of Tom McDonald’s winning goal – over
season that was in a nutshell. West Coast Eagles in Perth.
Injuries and suspensions also hurt.
from just
A 69-point turnaround against eventual grand
Now the time has passed since that gut-wrenching Melbourne had an average of slightly more than
finalist Adelaide resulted in a 41-point win at
Sunday on August 24 – when Melbourne missed 10 players unavailable per round on its list in 2017,
Adelaide Oval.
8
the finals by less than 0.5 per cent – the year can be with several key players, including Angus Brayshaw,
Round by Round assessed on its merits.
No question, Melbourne missed a golden
Max Gawn, Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones and Aaron
vandenBerg missing extended periods through
injury.
And four wins on the trot in the middle of the
season was a streak not achieved since 2006.
opportunity to extend its season into September. Oliver produced a phenomenal second AFL
Finals beckoned and they were blown in the final A promising and still emerging list showed that season to win the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial
round. Melbourne was right on track, but still had plenty of Trophy and stamp his name as – not only one of
development. the best youngsters in the game – but one of the
10 Best & Fairest Winner and Results
The Demons botched their last home and away
competition’s finest midfielders.
match against Collingwood, when the Magpies won But when you consider Hogan, Christian Salem,
by 16 points at the MCG. James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Christian Petracca, Michael Hibberd was outstanding, receiving All-
Oscar McDonald, Brayshaw, Billy Stretch, Clayton Australian selection in his first year with the club.
Losing to the Pies on the Saturday, and then seeing
Oliver, Alex Neal-Bullen, vandenBerg, Jay Kennedy- Neville Jetta and Jeff Garlett were also included
Lewis Jetta and Jack Darling kick the final two
Harris, Josh Wagner, Mitch Hannan, Sam Weideman, in the 40-man squad. Hibberd and Jetta later
goals for the Eagles against the Crows at Domain
Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Corey Maynard have played represented Australia in the International Rules
12
Stadium on Sunday – giving West Coast the win
Q&A with Michael Hibberd
between 51 and one game – it only reinforces the Series.
and percentage needed to edge out Melbourne and
scope in the list for next year and beyond.
make the eight – was heartbreaking for anyone who Co-captains Viney and Jones finished second and
bleeds red and blue. And when you consider that list above doesn’t equal third respectively in Melbourne’s best and
include young co-captain Jack Viney, who is still only fairest and produced excellent performances,
Add to the fact that the Demons were ‘in the eight’
23 years old, or boom recruit and 2017 All-Australian despite injury halting their year.
at the 21-minute mark of that match – which was
squad member Jake Lever, who has 56 games to
14
also the final game of the home and away season The recruitment of four-time premiership Jordan
Christian Petracca
MICHAEL
his name and is still only 21 – there is plenty to like
– and it reinforced what a close and remarkable Lewis, who finished equal third with Jones, proved
about the future.
season it was across the competition. a big tick. And then there were unsung types like
Importantly, the list is on the rise and not in the Hannan, who impressed in his first AFL season, and
In fact, Melbourne ended up missing the finals by
middle of the road or rebuilding. It’s the only side to Cam Pedersen, who stepped up in the absence of
0.483 per cent – the narrowest in VFL/AFL history,
have increased its ladder position in the past four injured talls.
eclipsing Footscray’s 1955 season, when the
years, having bottomed out after 2013.
16
Bulldogs missed the finals by 0.613 per cent. Although the season may not have panned out the
The Trade Period It was mightily frustrating, as Melbourne occupied a
place in the eight at the completion of 15 rounds this
Remember, Melbourne won just two games in 2013
and went on to win four in 2014, seven (2015), 10
(2016) and then 12 (2017).
way any red and blue fan would’ve hoped, there
was much gained and plenty to look forward to in
2018 and the coming years.
season. Yet it wasn’t where it needed to be after
round 23. That’s progress in anyone’s language.
HIBBERD
BY MATT
Still, it’s easy to single out the Collingwood loss. It was also the red and blue’s best season since its
18 Jake Lever There were other missed opportunities and reasons
why Melbourne missed the finals by the barest of
threads (remembering Essendon and West Coast
most recent finals appearance and in 2006. And
it was Melbourne’s best non-finals season since
becoming a foundation VFL/AFL club in 1897. In fact,
BURGAN
made the finals with the same number of wins, yet Melbourne has had 10 ‘worse’ seasons than this year
with better percentages). and still made the finals.
20
Narrow losses hurt. Overall, there was plenty to like about 2017.
2018 AFLW Team Melbourne lost 10 games by an average of 19.7 Hoodoos were broken. Melbourne defeated St Kilda
22 Elise O’Dea
24 Out and About In Casey: with Mel Hickey
25 Melbourne Events
26 Casey Demons Season Review
O’D
28 Corporate Partners and Contributors
Trade with IG to support the red and the blue 29 Staff List and Volunteers
BY GEORGINA LEW
Open a Share Trading account and we’ll contribute 30 Fundraising and Relationships
50% of all commissions made on trades to the
Melbourne Football Club High Performance Program. 31 Foundation Heroes
34 My Melbourne YOUR
CO-CAPTA
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to transfer your existing shareholdings.
PHONE (03) 9652 1111
Visit IG-MFC.com for more details MAIL PO Box 254, East Melbourne, Victoria, 8002
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EDITORS Matt Burgan, Georgina Lewis, Ryan Earles
CONTRIBUTORS Matt Burgan, Georgina Lewis, Ben Gibson, Jay Clark, Rod Grinter
PHOTOGRAPHY Matthew Goodrope, MFC Staff, AFL Photos
DESIGN Dave Larkin, Marty Smith
Heartbeat is published twice a year. No part of this publication shall be reproduced,
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FLY AROUND THE WORLD
5
FROM THE PRE SIDENT AND CEO | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
record an outstanding 41-point win. The Crows, Eddie Alder from iSelect joined us as our inaugural ince joining the club, I have been zero’. What I mean is that the football department the competition. We aim to play finals football
of course went on to play in this year’s Grand women’s partner and then became co-principle consistent in stating that we are has effectively undergone a complete change in 2018 – whether we do will depend on a lot of
Final. And what about Tom McDonald’s goal, just partner of the men’s team. I would like to thank looking to achieve long-term of personnel as we look for players and coaches factors and circumstances, but after 2017, we
moments before the final siren, giving us our first you for your partnership with the club – it’s very sustainable success, both on the capable of achieving this success. The 2017 playing believe we are good enough to participate in finals.
victory over West Coast at Subiaco since 2002 – much valued and appreciated. field and off the field. This year list included only 10 players out of a total of 46
and one of our best wins from the past decade. I want to thank the board, my executive team,
Overall, I would like to thank our commercial showed we are clearly on the right from the 2013 list. Six of those 10 players will go
Overall, we delivered an exciting brand of football and all the people at Melbourne Football Club for
partners for your support. path to do that. into the 2018 season.
and showed why this group of young players can – their efforts in 2017. A football club, and a football
and will – deliver sustained success. To the Melbourne Cricket Club, we are proud to be In assessing our on-field performance We have brought in young talented players team, is truly an organisation where no one
the football section of the biggest sporting club during 2017, it is worth reflecting who are still under 22 years old at the end of person determines success, and no individual can
The club also showed great resilience. We suffered on something I stated in my report last year - I 2017, including Oliver, Christian Petracca, Angus succeed without the support of many others. The
in the world, and I’d like to thank president Steven
a host of injuries and some personal challenges. I know Melbourne Football Club members and Brayshaw, Hogan, Christian Salem, Mitch success of the rebuild, so far, is a credit to everyone
Smith (who won the 1981 Melbourne best and
was proud of our ability to work through adversity. supporters have done it tough over many years, Hannan, James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Oscar involved in this club.
fairest award) and his committee.
And I would particularly like to acknowledge Jesse and desperately want success. We all do. But it McDonald, Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch, and
I want to especially thank all members for their
Hogan, who showed great strength in a difficult Our Foundation Heroes, Inner Sanctum members, is equally important to appreciate that it takes a Sam Weideman. These young players in addition
ongoing support of the club. Members are the
year. We are all very proud of you. player sponsors, members of Coterie and all of long time to build a finals team from ground zero, to the older talented players create depth in the
Melbourne Football Club and without your
our supporter groups, I say thank you for your which is what we are doing. club and offer an exciting future. The current list is
Individually, I’d like to congratulate our Keith continued support over many years, this club
passionate and loyal support. a credit to our list management team, headed by
‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy winner Clayton I say this again because I understand the would not be in the position it is today – primed
Josh Mahoney and Todd Viney, with Jason Taylor
Oliver, who had a great season, particularly for a A big thank you to the Demon Army and to disappointment of many members and supporters for long term sustainable success on and off
and his recruiting team.
second-year AFL player. And Daisy Pearce, who member Ryan Sinclair for winning the best AFL from the club missing out on finals this year, the field.
reinforced her status as one of the game’s best male fan award this year. especially when it appeared we were so close. We The priority for the club is to continue the
players, winning our inaugural women’s best and understand it’s been a long time between finals development of these younger players. Our Thank you.
We now have a first-class football department
fairest award. appearances, but 2017 showed we were not ready coaching team has almost completely changed
led by Josh Mahoney. I would like to acknowledge
to play finals and make a significant impact. The since 2013. Many of our development coaches have
I’d also like to highlight Michael Hibberd, who Josh and everyone in the football department,
end to the 2017 season should not define whether had premiership success at other AFL clubs and
proved to be a fantastic addition to our club and who have worked incredibly hard again this year,
this year was a success or not. What comes out of know what it takes to build a successful team.
was named All-Australian. He was later selected with a continued focus on improving our working Peter Jackson
the year, in terms of the longer-term performance,
in the Australian International Rules Series, along environment and the development of all of our Off-field, the club has performed well again. We
should be the measure.
with Neville Jetta, who had his best AFL season people, particularly our players. It is also really started a long way back at the end of 2013 with
and was included in the All-Australian squad. And important to acknowledge our senior coach Simon In this regard, we need to put the 2017 season into a reported loss of $3 million. We have reported
congratulations to Mel Hickey, Elise O’Dea, Karen Goodwin and his coaching team, who have worked perspective. profits in each year since. I am confident our
FROM THE
Paxman and Daisy, who were all named in the incredibly hard. Simon has represented the club reported trading profit for 2017, when finalised, will
Our form until the end of round 14 was very good.
AFLW All-Australian team. with absolute class in his first year as senior coach. be at or above $1.3 million. The improved trading
However, our performances from rounds 15 to 23
results have allowed us to reduce debt again; it
Off the field, Melbourne launched its To Debbie Lee, Mick Stinear and our entire AFLW were inconsistent. Injuries and the fixture had a
has halved from $8.2 million in 2013 to $4.1 million.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the staff – thank you for all of your great efforts this profound impact in these later rounds.
It will reduce further over the next 1 to 2 years.
CHAIRMAN
Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square on year. Debbie recently finished with the club after In 2016, we missed only 56 games with injury. In
Wednesday, July 19, which was a proud moment almost a decade with Melbourne. Thank you, The consistent improvement in the financial
2017 that increased to 137 games due to injury and
for the club. Debbie, for your impact at the club. The AFLW performance over recent years has been critical to
illness. The missed games included top-end talent
program was first class and our players became stabilising the club off-field and allows us to invest
A football club is made up of a range people – such as Max Gawn, Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones,
fantastic role models. I know our supporters are for the future; in football operations, so we can
and to all of you, I say thank you for your hard Jack Viney and Michael Hibberd. Each week, we
so proud of your achievements. compete with other clubs, and in the commercial
work and contribution. consistently fielded 10 to 12 players, who’d played
side of the business, so we can continue to grow
HEN I reflect upon the year, I would like to thank Jennifer Watt, who after 14 50 games or less. In 15 games, we were
I would like to thank vice-chairmen Geoff Freeman the club. In 2018, we will make further investments
there’s no doubt the club has years at Melbourne, took up a position at the MCC less experienced than our opponents.
and John Trotter, and board members Mohan in our resources, especially in the area of new
made significant progress, on as their general manager of commercial. I would The AFL fixtured us to play four games in 18 days fan growth. It is critical this club attracts and
Jesudason, Steve Morris, Jane Martino, Jeremy
and off the field. like to thank Jen for her outstanding contribution from rounds 11 to 14. We performed well for the retains new fans. Our club is Melbourne and the
Nichols, David Robb, Kate Roffey and David Thurin,
Our 2017 season started back and wish her all the best in her career at the MCC. first three of these rounds against Collingwood, Melbourne Cricket Ground is our spiritual home.
who all volunteer their time.
in February, when we were Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles in Perth. As the City of Melbourne continues to grow, we
Behind the scenes, we have unsung heroes
part of history, playing in CEO Peter Jackson, his executive team and staff, I Our performance in the fourth of those games want to attract new people to the club that is
working tirelessly. And I would like to thank
the inaugural AFL Women’s would like to thank and acknowledge you all. Peter against Sydney in a Friday night game, and in Melbourne, with an exciting competitive football
everyone for your contribution this year.
competition. Our women had is a fantastic leader and his team of dedicated subsequent games, showed the cumulative team, playing at one of the great sporting icons
a strong season, finishing third and missing the staff have further developed and delivered I’d also like to thank the staff and players who effect of the physical stress on younger of the world.
Grand Final by percentage. significant results this year. Our administration is have left the club since the end of the season. inexperienced players.
stable, and expect to announce further positive Thank you for your efforts, and we wish you all the As a result of these investments, while we are
From a bigger picture perspective, it was a This led to inconsistency in those later games, budgeting for a solid result in 2018, the profit is
financial results at the AGM. We are also working success in your next chapter. Remember, you will
realisation for our club, as we’ve had a long and culminating in a disappointing performance unlikely to be at the levels of 2017.
on a number of projects to ensure the success of always be part of the Melbourne family.
proud history in women’s football. We were against Collingwood in the final game of
our club and ongoing financial stability. We had the added excitement in 2017 of the
pioneers of our great game and we were pioneers In summary, there is no question, in my mind, we the season.
inaugural AFL Women’s competition. Our team
in women’s football. The club generated a record membership in 2017, are on the right track – our season showed how
There was still a lot of positives to take out of performed admirably, and apart from one
42,333, surpassing 800,000 supporters through far we’ve progressed on and off the field.
Our men’s team made strong progress in 2017, the year – we have continued to improve year on disappointing performance, may well have played
the gates for the first time since 2006. We had
but the finish was bitterly disappointing. We’re already working hard in preparation for a year since 2013, moving up the ladder from 17th in the Grand Final and been very competitive.
some amazing match days, such as ‘Big Freeze
big 2018 campaign, as we continue climbing that to ninth. We won the fourth highest number of Debbie Lee has moved on to the Western
We won 12 games – our best result since 2006 – at the ‘G’ and the ANZAC Day eve game, which is
mountain together – focused on the ultimate quarters for the year (49). We were able to get Bulldogs, including re-joining her VFLW club of 27
and missed the finals by 0.5 per cent, the smallest now a marque fixture on the AFL calendar. We also
success. a lot of games into our young talented players, years in the Spurs. Debbie is largely responsible
margin in the game’s history. initiated ‘The Welcome Game’ – a new match day
albeit they struggled with consistency. for the success of women’s football at this club.
event, which was an overwhelming success . More We understand that ‘every moment matters’, and
I know our supporters and everyone associated The breakout year of Clayton Oliver was However, our women’s team will still be ably
FROM
than 53,000 attended, as we defeated St Kilda as chairman, I couldn’t be more confident in the
with the club were very disappointed with how the especially heartening. lead by coach Mick Stinear and captain Daisy
at the MCG. direction of our entire club.
season ended – we let an opportunity slip – but I Pearce. We have retained most of the list and the
We successfully transitioned from Paul Roos to
can assure you, we will learn from this experience. I would like to thank our two major sponsors – Once again, thank you for your support. experience of 2017 will stand the women’s team
Simon Goodwin as senior coach. This was virtually
AHG and iSelect – and would like to thank David in good stead for 2018.
Still, there were some great on-field moments a seamless succession plan that ensured stability
THE CEO
Christison, Bronte Howson (who retired in 2016) around the football department and continuity in Next year will be a year of further development
in 2017. Go Melbourne.
and the whole team at AHG. Your support over the building a strong culture in the club. and improvement in the AFL team. We still
In round one, we defeated St Kilda, which was past four years has been enormous for our club. have a relatively young list that has most of its
a fantastic start – and also our first win over AHG came on board in 2013 at a difficult time and I mention rebuilding a team capable of playing
improvement ahead of it. However, it is also a year
the Saints since 2006. We produced a 69-point we can’t thank you enough for your support. finals football on a sustained basis from ‘ground
where we want to start having a real impact on
turnaround against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval to Glen Bartlett
7
SE A SON RE VIEW | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
A
BITTERLY disappointing finish, but a Melbourne lost 10 games by an average of 19.7 Overall, there was plenty to like about 2017.
much-improved and exciting season from points, with three defeats occuring by two points,
Hoodoos were broken. Melbourne defeated St
the Melbourne Football Club. That was the three and four respectively. Six of those
Kilda in round one at Etihad Stadium, won in Alice
season that was in a nutshell. 10 matches were by three goals or fewer.
Springs for the first time and produced a stunning
Now the time has passed since that gut-wrenching Injuries and suspensions also hurt. victory – courtesy of Tom McDonald’s winning goal
Sunday on August 24 – when Melbourne missed – over West Coast Eagles in Perth.
Melbourne had an average of slightly more than
the finals by less than 0.5 per cent – the year can
10 players unavailable per round on its list in A 69-point turnaround against eventual grand
be assessed on its merits.
2017, with several key players, including Angus finalist Adelaide resulted in a 41-point win at
No question, Melbourne missed a golden Brayshaw, Max Gawn, Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones Adelaide Oval.
opportunity to extend its season into September. and Aaron vandenBerg missing extended
And four wins on the trot in the middle of the
Finals beckoned and they were blown in the periods through injury.
season was a streak not achieved since 2006.
final round.
A promising and still emerging list showed that
Oliver produced a phenomenal second AFL
The Demons botched their last home and away Melbourne was right on track, but still had plenty
season to win the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial
match against Collingwood, when the Magpies of development.
Trophy and stamp his name as – not only one of
won by 16 points at the MCG.
But when you consider Hogan, Christian Salem, the best youngsters in the game – but one of the
Losing to the Pies on the Saturday, and then James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Christian Petracca, competition’s finest midfielders.
seeing Lewis Jetta and Jack Darling kick the Oscar McDonald, Brayshaw, Billy Stretch, Clayton
Michael Hibberd was outstanding, receiving All-
final two goals for the Eagles against the Crows Oliver, Alex Neal-Bullen, vandenBerg, Jay
Australian selection in his first year with the club.
at Domain Stadium on Sunday – giving West Kennedy-Harris, Josh Wagner, Mitch Hannan,
Neville Jetta and Jeff Garlett were also included
Coast the win and percentage needed to Sam Weideman, Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Corey
in the 40-man squad. Hibberd and Jetta later
edge out Melbourne and make the eight – Maynard have played between 51 and one
represented Australia in the International
was heartbreaking for anyone who bleeds game – it only reinforces the scope in the list
Rules Series.
red and blue. for next year and beyond.
Co-captains Viney and Jones finished second and
Add to the fact that the Demons were ‘in the eight’ And when you consider that list above doesn’t
equal third respectively in Melbourne’s best and
at the 21-minute mark of that match – which was include young co-captain Jack Viney, who is
fairest and produced excellent performances,
also the final game of the home and away season still only 23 years old, or boom recruit and 2017
despite injury halting their year.
– and it reinforced what a close and remarkable All-Australian squad member Jake Lever, who has
season it was across the competition. 56 games to his name and is still only 21 – there is The recruitment of four-time premiership Jordan
plenty to like about the future. Lewis, who finished equal third with Jones, proved
In fact, Melbourne ended up missing the finals by
a big tick. And then there were unsung types like
0.483 per cent – the narrowest in VFL/AFL history, Importantly, the list is on the rise and not in the
Hannan, who impressed in his first AFL season,
eclipsing Footscray’s 1955 season, when the middle of the road or rebuilding. It’s the only side
and Cam Pedersen, who stepped up in the
Bulldogs missed the finals by 0.613 per cent. to have increased its ladder position in the past
absence of injured talls.
four years, having bottomed out after 2013.
It was mightily frustrating, as Melbourne occupied
Although the season may not have panned out
a place in the eight at the completion of 15 rounds Remember, Melbourne won just two games in 2013
the way any red and blue fan would’ve hoped,
this season. Yet it wasn’t where it needed to be and went on to win four in 2014, seven (2015), 10
there was much gained and plenty to look
after round 23. (2016) and then 12 (2017).
forward to in 2018 and the coming years.
Still, it’s easy to single out the Collingwood loss. That’s progress in anyone’s language.
There were other missed opportunities and
reasons why Melbourne missed the finals by
the barest of threads (remembering Essendon
It was also the red and blue’s best season since its
most recent finals appearance and in 2006. And
BY MATT BURGAN
it was Melbourne’s best non-finals season since
and West Coast made the finals with the same
becoming a foundation VFL/AFL club in 1897. In
number of wins, yet with better percentages).
fact, Melbourne has had 10 ‘worse’ seasons than
Narrow losses hurt. this year and still made the finals.
C L AY TO N O L I V E R
D 9
ROUND BY ROUND | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
2017
ROUND
BY ROUND
ROUND 1
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 4.35PM
ROUND 5
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 7.25PM
ROUND 9
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 3.20PM
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JAYDEN HUNT, TOM McDONALD, NATHAN JONES, CHRISTIAN PETRACCA, JAMES HARMES
ROUND 13
SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 3.20PM
ROUND 16
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 3.20PM
ROUND 20
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1.45PM
St Kilda v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium Richmond v Melbourne, MCG Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG Western Bulldogs v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium Carlton v Melbourne, MCG GWS Giants v Melbourne, UNSW Canberra Oval
Result: Melbourne 18.12 (120) d St Kilda 13.12 (90) Result: Richmond 12.16 (85) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) Result: North Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Melbourne Result: Melbourne 17.11 (113) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) Result: Melbourne 14.6 (90) d Carlton 12.10 (82) Result: GWS Giants 14.13 (97) d Melbourne 10.2 (62)
Goals: Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hannan 2, Petracca 2, Goals: Hogan 3, Garlett 2, Hibberd, Hunt, T.McDonald, 13.12 (90) Goals: Watts 3, Bugg 2, Garlett 2, Hannan 2, T. Goals: T.McDonald 4, Garlett 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Goals: Melksham 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Gawn, Maynard,
Brayshaw, Jetta, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Stretch, Vince, Petracca, Salem, Watts Goals: Hannan 3, Pedersen 2, Frost, Jetta, Jones, McDonald 2, Harmes, Melksham, Neal-Bullen, Wagner, 2, Hogan, Lewis, Melksham T.McDonald, Pedersen, Tyson, Watts
Watts, Weideman Best: Oliver, Hibberd, Hunt, Watts, Viney, Garlett Kent, Lewis, Oliver, Salem, Viney Petracca, Salem, Tyson Best: Petracca, T.McDonald, Jetta, Oliver, Best: Lewis, Gawn, Vince, Oliver, O.McDonald,
Best: Oliver, Gawn, Vince, Hogan, Jones, Garlett Debuts: Hibberd (MFC) Best: Hannan, Viney, Jones, Frost, Tyson, Pedersen Best: O.McDonald, Hibberd, Oliver, Pedersen, Watts Neal-Bullen, Frost Hibberd, Tyson, Neal-Bullen, T.McDonald
Debuts: Hannan (AFL), Lewis (MFC), Melksham Attendance: 85,657 Attendance: 33,218 Attendance: 33,667 Attendance: 47,266 Debuts: Maynard (AFL)
(MFC), J.Smith (AFL) Attendance: 14,274
Attendance: 36,249 ROUND 6 ROUND 10 ROUND 14 ROUND 17
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 1.10PM SATURDAY, MAY 27, 4.05PM SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 5.40PM SATURDAY, JULY 15, 7.10PM ROUND 21
ROUND 2 Essendon v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, TIO Traeger Park West Coast Eagles v Melbourne, Domain Stadium Melbourne v Adelaide Oval, TIO Stadium SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 1.10PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 3.20PM
Result: Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Essendon 10.14 (74) Result: Melbourne 18.14 (122) d Gold Coast SUNS 13.9 (87) Result: Melbourne 15.9 (99) d West Coast Eagles Result: Adelaide Crows 17.14 (116) d Melbourne 10.10 (70) Melbourne v St Kilda, MCG
Melbourne v Carlton, MCG Goals: Petracca 4, Watts 4, Garlett 3, Hannan 3, Goals: Garlett 5, Hannan 3, Harmes 3, Jones 3, 14.12 (96) Goals: Melksham 3, Gawn, Hunt, Kent, T.McDonald, Result: Melbourne 14.12 (96) d St Kilda 10.12 (72)
Result: Melbourne 13.8 (86) d Carlton 9.10 (64) Lewis, T.McDonald, Pedersen Neal-Bullen, Petracca, Tyson, Watts Goals: T.McDonald 5, Neal-Bullen 2, Bugg, Hannan, Neal-Bullen, Oliver, Petracca Goals: Harmes 3, Hannan 2, Melksham 2, Pedersen 2,
Goals: Garlett 3, Jones 2, Watts 2, Weideman 2, Best: Oliver, Viney, Petracca, Watts, Lewis, Tyson Best: Garlett, Jones, Hannan, Oliver, Hibberd, Tyson Harmes, Melksham, Pedersen, Petracca, Stretch, Viney Best: Lewis, Vince, Oliver, Neal-Bullen, Harmes, Hunt Garlett, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Tyson, Viney
Gawn, Petracca, Salem, Tyson Milestones: Jetta (100 AFL games) Milestones: Pedersen (50 MFC games) Best: Viney, T.McDonald, Tyson, Oliver, Gawn, Vince Attendance: 12,104 Best: Jones, Pedersen, Lewis, Harmes, Oliver,
Best: Salem, Oliver, Jetta, Jones, Garlett, T.McDonald Attendance: 44,040 Attendance: 5,072 Milestones: Frost (50 AFL games) Brayshaw
Attendance: 46,727 Attendance: 36,622 ROUND 18 Milestones: Hibberd (100 AFL games)
ROUND 7 ROUND 11 SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2.10PM Attendance: 53,115
ROUND 3 SUNDAY, MAY 7, 3.20PM Bye Melbourne v Port Adelaide, MCG
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 4.35PM Melbourne v Hawthorn, MCG ROUND 15 Result: Melbourne 13.10 (88) d Port Adelaide 9.11 (65)
ROUND 22
Geelong Cats v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium Result: Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d Melbourne 14.7 (91) ROUND 12
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 7.50PM
Goals: Hogan 3, Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Petracca 2,
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 1.10PM
Result: Geelong Cats 20.9 (126) d Melbourne 13.19 (97) Goals: Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hunt 2, Lewis 2, Jones, Melbourne v Sydney Swans, MCG Hannan, Harmes, T.McDonald Melbourne v Brisbane Lions, MCG
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 3.20PM
Goals: Kent 2, Watts 2, Garlett, Hannan, Harmes, Pedersen, Viney, Watts Melbourne v Collingwood, MCG Result: Sydney Swans 11.19 (85) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) Best: Hibberd, Oliver, Jetta, Gawn, Viney, Hogan Result: Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Brisbane Lions 14.7 (91)
Hunt, Jetta, Neal-Bullen, Petracca, T.Smith, Stretch Best: Viney, Frost, Tyson, Jones, Vince, Lewis, Oliver Goals: T.McDonald 2, Petracca 2, Hannan, Hunt, Milestones: Watts (150 AFL games) Goals: Hogan 6, Pedersen 3, Garlett 2, Brayshaw,
Best: Jones, Hunt, Neal-Bullen, Watts, Petracca Attendance: 38,693 Result: Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) Melksham Attendance: 27,068 Harmes, Melksham, Petracca, Vince
Debuts: T.Smith Goals: Petracca 3, Watts 3, Bugg 2, Garlett 2, Hannan, Best: Hibberd, T.McDonald, O.McDonald, Jetta, Best: Oliver, Hogan, Pedersen, Jones, Hibberd,
Harmes, T.McDonald, Melksham, Pedersen
Attendance: 29,733 ROUND 8 Best: Petracca, Oliver, Jones, Hibberd, O.McDonald
Tyson, Oliver, Viney ROUND 19 Melksham
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 7.10PM Attendance: 47,464 SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1.45PM Attendance: 30,422
Milestones: Garlett (50 MFC games)
ROUND 4 Adelaide Crows v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval Attendance: 70,926 North Melbourne v Melbourne, Blundstone Arena
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1.45PM
Result: Melbourne 17.5 (107) d Adelaide Crows 9.12 (66) Result: North Melbourne 11.10 (76) d Melbourne 10.12 (72)
ROUND 23
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG Goals: Pedersen 3, Bugg 2, Garlett 2, Jones 2, Kent 2, Goals: Garlett 3, T.McDonald 2, Melksham 2, Hogan,
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1.45PM
Result: Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Melbourne 15.14 (104) T.McDonald 2, Hannan, Oliver, Petracca, Viney Hunt, Oliver Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG
Goals: Garlett 3, Harmes 2, Petracca 2, Spencer 2, Best: Viney, Hibberd, Oliver, Petracca, Viney, Salem Best: Oliver, Lewis, T.McDonald, Tyson, Gawn, Result: Collingwood 14.15 (99) d Melbourne 12.11 (83)
Watts 2, Kent, Neal-Bullen, Salem, Viney Milestones: Vince (200 AFL games) Harmes, Garlett Goals: Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca
Best: Oliver, Salem, Garlett, Vince, Spencer, Petracca Attendance: 47,882 Attendance: 13,939 2, Hannan, Pedersen, Watts
Milestones: Garlett (150 AFL games) Best: Oliver, Melksham, Vince, Petracca, Garlett, Hunt
Attendance: 27,829 Attendance: 51,223
CLAYTON
11
BE ST & FAIRE ST WINNER AND RE SULTS | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
2017 MELBOURNE OTHER AWARD WINNERS
BEST & FAIREST RESULTS Best VFL Player
Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy
First Jack Trengove
Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy
Club Ambassador Award
Clayton Oliver (530 votes)
Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy
Second
OLIVER
Neville Jetta
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy
Best Young Player
Jack Viney (346)
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy
Third Clayton Oliver
Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy
Heart and Spirit Award
Nathan Jones and Jordan Lewis (327)
James McDonald Trophy
Fourth Clayton Oliver
Ivor Warne Smith Memorial Trophy
Leadership Award
Not awarded due to third place tie
Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy
Fifth Jack Viney
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy
Coaches’ Award
Neville Jetta (321)
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy
6 – Michael Hibberd (318) Neville Jetta
7 – Christian Petracca (302)
8 – Jeff Garlett (284)
9 – Tom McDonald (278)
10 – Dom Tyson (275)
11 – Alex Neal-Bullen (263)
12 – Jayden Hunt (256)
13 – Bernie Vince (240)
14 – Mitch Hannan (216)
O
UTSTANDING young midfielder Clayton The 35-gamer also finished with the most claimed a top three finish in his AFL career, after
15 – Sam Frost (211)
Oliver capped off a brilliant season, running handballs, second most contested possessions, winning Hawthorn’s best and fairest in 2014 and
away with this year’s Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott third most clearances, fourth most tackles and finishing runner-up in 2016. 16 – Jake Melksham (201)
Memorial Trophy. fifth most disposals in the competition in 2017.
As Jones and Lewis tied for third place, no Ivor 17 – James Harmes (197)
Held at Crown Palladium on Monday, October 9, On 12 occasions, Oliver had 30 disposals or more in Warne Smith Memorial Trophy for fourth was
18 – Oscar McDonald and Cam Pedersen (196)
the second-year ball-winner won Melbourne’s best a match this year. awarded this year.
and fairest in emphatic style, securing 530 votes to 20 – Christian Salem (178)
But incredibly, he was left out of this year’s All- Jetta won the Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy for
win the award by a whopping 184.
Australian squad of 40. finishing fifth, which was his best effort in a 21 – Jack Watts (172)
Last year’s winner, Jack Viney, finished runner- Melbourne best and fairest count.
At just 20 years old, Oliver is one of the club’s 22 – Max Gawn (138)
up with 346 votes to claim the Sid Anderson
youngest winners of the best and fairest award, Rounding out the top 10 was 2017 All-Australian
Memorial Trophy. 23 – Jesse Hogan (122)
with Terry Leahy holding that honour at just 19 Michael Hibberd on 318 votes, young-gun Christian
There was a tie for third place, with triple best years old and 354 days for his 1966 win. Petracca (302), 2017 Melbourne leading goalkicker 24 – Tom Bugg (102)
and fairest winner Nathan Jones and four-time Jeff Garlett (284), key forward/defender Tom
For Viney, it was his third consecutive top three 25 – Billy Stretch (76)
premiership player Jordan Lewis claiming the Ron McDonald (278) and midfielder Dom Tyson (275).
finish – an outstanding effort for a 23-year-old.
Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy, after they polled 26 – Angus Brayshaw (59)
From 11th to 20th, the order was Alex Neal-Bullen
327 votes each. In 2015, he finished second after being pipped by
on 263 votes, Jayden Hunt (256), Bernie Vince 27 – Josh Wagner (52)
one vote, when Bernie Vince won Melbourne’s best
Rounding out the top five was much-admired (240), Mitch Hannan (216), Sam Frost (211), Jake
and fairest award. 28 – Sam Weideman (36)
defender Neville Jetta, who claimed 321 votes. Melksham (201), James Harmes (297), Oscar
Last year, Viney won his first ‘Bluey’ by eight votes, McDonald and Cam Pedersen (196), and Christian 29 – Dean Kent (30)
The club’s best and fairest votes were cast by four
when he edged out fellow co-captain Jones. At Salem (178).
members of Melbourne’s match committee, who 30 – Jake Spencer (20)
the same time, Viney helped create club history
gave players a score from zero to 10 for each game. Then it was Jack Watts with 172 votes, followed
as the first father/son combination to win a best 31 – Jay Kennedy-Harris and Jack Trengove (8)
by Max Gawn (138), Jesse Hogan (122), Tom Bugg
After finishing equal 19th in his first AFL season, and fairest at Melbourne. His Dad, Todd, won two
(102), Billy Stretch (76), Angus Brayshaw (59), Josh
Oliver had a remarkable second season, and the Truscott Memorial Trophies in 1993 and 1998.
Wagner (52), Sam Weideman (36), Dean Kent
result never looked in doubt.
With Jones finishing equal third, it meant it was (30), Jake Spencer (20) and Jay Kennedy-Harris
He polled in every match and had the most votes the sixth time in his career he has claimed a top and Jack Trengove (eight).
in seven of Melbourne’s 22 matches this season. three placing – a fantastic achievement. Jones has
On top of his first ‘Bluey’, Oliver received the 2017
AFL Coaches’ Association best young player of
now finished first three times (2012-14), second
(2007 and 2016) and third (2017). by Matt Burgan
the year award and finished seventh overall in this Lewis’ third placing was a fine result in his first year
season’s AFLCA player of the year. at Melbourne. It was also the third time he has
13
Q& A WITH MICHAEL HIBBERD | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
DRIVING
Michael Hibberd reflects on his first season with
Melbourne after crossing from Essendon at the
end of the 2016 season.
How do you reflect on your first year at Now you’ve had a year at the club, do you hope
Melbourne, despite the team’s frustrating to become a member of the leadership group
end to the season? next year?
MH: At the time, I was upset and angry – a lot MH: I think so. At the start, I just wanted to fit in
of emotions went through our heads. Now you and not tread on anyone’s toes or tell anyone what
FORWARD
look at it in a positive way: it will make us better to do – I just wanted to earn the group’s respect. I
and drive us next year. It’s going to stick with us think I’ve done that this year and I see potential in
and bring us closer together; I definitely see it an actual leadership role. I’m just going to be me
as a positive. and leading is part of that.
Where do you see the team at heading You worked with Simon Goodwin at Essendon.
into 2018? How have you seen him evolve?
MH: We can get a lot better. Missing finals MH: I think he thrives being the head coach. I knew
should still be sitting with everyone right now he was a great coach and a good operator, but [I]
and we should be working to get better. We’ve didn’t think he was as good as he is. The messages
got some super talented kids, so next year will he sends his players are clear and direct – he
be a better year. knows what makes us tick. He’s a good people
person and knows how to get the most out of his
You had an outstanding season, culminating players. I knew he was a great coach and this year
in All-Australian selection. How did you assess was no different. We let him down in the end by
your form? not making finals, but we’ve already started a
Q&A WITH MICHAEL HIBBERD
big pre-season.
MH: You don’t play for that, but it is nice. Being
named All-Australian was bittersweet as it was a
Which teammates caught your eye in 2017 and
tough week, missing out on finals, but I’m pretty
will go to the next level next year?
proud and humbled by it now. There’s a lot of
players who could’ve been named in that All- MH: Alex Neal-Bullen really surprised me. I didn’t
Australian team, so I was lucky to be picked know much about him before I got to the club, but
BY MATT BURGAN and I’m very honoured. the way he trains and performed this year were
very consistent. He’s going to be a valuable player
Was 2017 your best AFL season? for us. Jayden Hunt was good to play with in the
backline. Once he develops a bit of a leadership
MH: After I missed the first month, I felt like it
role and has a bit more voice, his talent is endless
was my most consistent season. I didn’t have a lot
– he could be a real A-grader of the competition.
of confidence in my body in the pre-season, as I
I really love playing with Neville Jetta. I knew he
didn’t do a full pre-season. So, to get through the
was a tough character but the way he performed
year, play 18 games and perform quite well, I feel
all year, every game, you just know what you’re
it was a positive one, after missing a year of footy.
going to get from him. He’s a real competitor and
I’ll look back down the track and say that it was
everyone loves playing with him. I wouldn’t say
a successful year.
I’m surprised about Nev, but I can’t sing his
praises high enough.
So, no regrets about moving to Melbourne?
MH: Definitely not. It’s the best decision I’ve made. What are your expectations for 2018?
I’ve had such a fun year and I love my footy again.
MH: I think we need to embrace the expectation.
I love all my new teammates and I’ve got a close
We need to perform and play finals next year.
bond with these guys. It’ll only get stronger over
The supporters deserve some success. We teased
the next few years. Missing out on finals was
them a bit this year; we should have played finals
disappointing, but I see a lot of upside in the group.
and we didn’t. The expectations will lift in 2018.
We need to embrace that, take it on, which will
How’s the body now?
make us better players.
MH: I’m better now than I was this time last year. I
could barely finish a lap running last year. My knee
was pretty sore and I struggled with it. Once I was
in the full-time program, I improved a lot. I feel like
my body will hold up fine now.
15
CHRISTIAN PE TRACC A | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
CHRISTIAN Petracca wants to shift up a gear. Yes, he is already averaging one goal and 5.5 score winner can still drift in and out of games,
involvements a game as one of the most exciting Petracca said.
After 39 games in three seasons, the Melbourne game
and dangerous young forwards in the AFL.
breaker is unashamedly thinking big about 2018. But he is up for the midfield challenge.
Petracca can hit packs like a wrecking ball and
He believes Melbourne’s best is good enough to “Dustin Martin and Robbie Gray, they’re two who
when he is not feeding out bullet handballs to
rival the top teams. have really worked hard on their fitness over the
running teammates, the 186cm bull is often
years and have become established midfielders
Last season, the Dees beat Adelaide away, pushed swivelling out into goal and finishing beautifully.
and that’s something I want to become,”
premier Richmond all the way on Anzac Day eve
With six minutes remaining in the Queen’s Petracca said.
and toppled Collingwood in another blockbuster
Birthday win, Petracca calmly slotted the sealer
on Queen’s Birthday. “So that’s the challenge, and we are working on
from 35 metres on a 45 degree angle, like ice was
it together. I know I’m only 21 years old and there
They were exciting glimpses, but a finals running through his veins.
was the [torn] ACL [in my first season].
breakthrough still awaits.
He was stamped as a big moment player as far
“But to be honest, there is still a lot of
It’s what ticked over in Petracca’s mind as back as his TAC Cup days.
inconsistency in my game, and just drifting in and
he jumped in the car and drove somewhere,
But the Eastern Ranges product is not content out of games over four quarters.
anywhere, the night West Coast upset Adelaide in
to stay largely inside the forward half anymore,
the last regular season game of the year, ending “That was something I didn’t think I did in my TAC
approaching season No.4.
the Demons’ finals aspirations in 2017. Cup footy [career]. I thought I could come in and
“I think this is about the time when you see guys play four quarters [in the AFL].
It was a crushing afternoon on the couch, followed
separate themselves, or have break-out years and
by some deep thinking time on the road. “But I know now that’s what I have got to learn
at the moment, I’m really focusing on the pre-
RIGHT ON TRAC
Melbourne’s No. 2 draft pick has a midfield move on his mind, reports Jay Clark
“I watched it at home with my family and, it is hard
to describe the emotion we all experienced, but
after it (the game finished), I just had to get in the
car and go for a drive,” Petracca said.
season, and having a good year,” he said.
In the short term, Petracca wants to build his tank
over the next few months to become a permanent
and work incredibly hard on and I’m really excited
about that.
“I really want to go into the midfield next year and “I really want to go into the midfield next year and
that means working with the midfield group over
midfield option for coach Simon Goodwin, helping that means working with the midfield group over
The frustration pulsed through his veins as the partner some other young bulls including Jack the pre-season and seeing how I go.
kilometres ticked over. Viney, Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw in the
But from that anguish, Petracca said, there is
extra motivation for next season, and some
guts next year.
Petracca and Oliver have also moved in together,
“I thought last year was a great development year
and I’m just really looking forward to next year
and seeing what we can do as a team.”
the pre-season and seeing how I go.
fresh inspiration from an unlikely source in the and there’s a good chance the pair will work
The Adelaide win, where the Demons fought back There was also some little-known adversity to “So to help us lift in the second half and kick a
United States. closely on the training track, as they do in the
to run over the Grand Finalists with a stunning his 2017 story, as well. couple of goals, in front of a big crowd like that,
kitchen at home.
That’s NBA superstar, and childhood friend second-half was a watershed performance was great.
Petracca hurt his knee against Richmond in the
Ben Simmons, who Petracca spent time with Oliver’s year was enormous, winning the best from the Dees.
early part of the season and needed some fluid “When you do something well or help a teammate
alongside Melbourne teammates James and fairest by a runaway margin in only his
But they found it tougher in July and August after drained at times. or kick a goal and the whole crowd goes nuts
Harmes and Dom Tyson in the off-season. second campaign.
a challenging mid-year run playing three-straight I really feed off that, and that energy, and
Still, he booted four goals the following week
“It is pretty amazing and inspiring to see what he But Petracca has some rivals in mind, too, in AFL games off six-day breaks. that confidence.
against Essendon, played a heroic role in the win
has done in his first season at that level. To be able superstars Dustin Martin (Richmond) and Robbie
The consecutive short turnarounds became a over Adelaide in hostile territory and was the “In that [Collingwood] game I really felt that.
to hang out with him in New York after a game and Gray (Port Adelaide) to help model his game and
turning point of sorts. match winner against the Pies, taking home
have dinner, and see guys like LeBron James as development on. “We are so lucky to have the fans’ support every
the best on ground medal.
well – it was a pretty unreal experience,” he said. But Petracca said the Demons would take a lot out week and to play home games at the MCG, there
After their first couple of seasons, there are
of the Adelaide performance in round eight where he The late goal was the kind of clutch moment is no other place like it.
But the holiday time sped past quickly. Now, the similarities in style and their numbers, and
enjoyed probably the best game of his career, racking he enjoys, but behind the scenes there were
No. 2 draft pick is focused on the gains he wants Petracca plans to study up on the elite duo. “We are a young team, I know, and we have
up 24 disposals including 15 contested possessions, some significant hurdles to overcome
to make over summer, and in particular the gym, had some lapses, here and there, but with the
Because, like those two gun goal kicking seven clearances and five tackles. throughout the week.
boxing ring and training track. Melbourne faithful and big crowds behind us, it’s
midfielders at about the same age, Petracca is
“It was a really mature game from us young guys “I took a lot of confidence out of that [win over just one of the best feelings.
That’s where the 21-year-old wants to lay the eyeing a similar big move into the engine room
and we have just got to keep going back to those Collingwood] and that had a bit to do with my
foundation for the most significant move of his next season to help take his game to a new level. “I can’t wait to get back out there again next year.”
games to realise that our best really is good knee [injury] as well,” he said.
career to date, next year.
Petracca bluntly said he wants to become a far enough,” he said.“Of course we can compete with
“I did hurt it against the Tigers and a few weeks
As he hit the highway that painful late August more consistent player. the best, we showed glimpses last year that our
on I was still sore and I had to get that liquid
night, what was going through his mind was best is the best and it’s just that consistency that
As encouraging as 2017 was, the dynamic ball taken out.
moving into the engine room in 2018. let us down last year.”
17
THE TRADE PERIOD | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
THE
TRADE
PERIOD LEVER
JAKE
BALIC WATTS
HARLEY JACK
TRADED IN TRADED IN TRADED OUT
Jake Lever, 21, who nominated Melbourne as his Originally drafted at pick No.38 in the 2015 NAB After 153 games for Melbourne from 2009-17,
destination club, was acquired when Melbourne AFL Draft, from Mordialloc-Braeside/Sandringham Jack Watts was traded to Port Adelaide for
gave up this year’s No.10 draft selection, plus two Dragons, Harley Balic played four matches for selection No.31.
future picks, a first round selection and fourth Fremantle in 2017.
Mahoney acknowledged the difficult nature of
round choice in 2018.
He missed most of his first season at Fremantle in the decision to trade the popular Demon.
In return, Melbourne gained Lever, selection No.35 2016 with a wrist injury. But he returned to play in
“I would first like to thank Jack for his contribution
in this year’s NAB AFL Draft and a future third the WAFL finals, where he averaged 19 disposals
to the Melbourne Football Club. He will always be
round pick for 2018. and played in Peel Thunder’s premiership.
welcomed back to the club as a Melbourne person
General manager of football operations Josh Previously a member of the NAB AFL Academy, and we wish him the very best for the future,”
Mahoney said Lever was targeted as a priority Balic was an under-18 All-Australian in 2015, after he said.
entering the trade period. an outstanding championship for Vic Metro.
“At the end of the year, we had a conversation with
BY MATT BURGAN “Jake will have an immediate impact on our group
– on field as an important member of our defence,
In round three 2017, he made his AFL debut for
Fremantle against the Western Bulldogs at
Jack regarding his future at Melbourne, where we
spoke openly about what is best for him and the
but also off the field with his professionalism and Domain Stadium. club. We agreed that we would look at our options
MELBOURNE secured two players in this ARRIVALS competitiveness,” he said.
“With 56 games to his name, we see Jake as a
His second game was against Melbourne at the
MCG in round four, where he kicked his first AFL
and we feel this outcome is the best thing for Jack
as an individual and that’s why both parties have
NAB AFL TRADE PERIOD: Harley Barlic (Fremantle), agreed to the deal,” he said.
year’s NAB AFL Trade Period. Jake Lever (Adelaide Crows)
PROMOTED ROOKIE: Joel Smith
long-term player at the Melbourne footy club.”
Standing at 195 cm tall, Lever is a courageous
goal and Fremantle won by two points.
He had 19 disposals and booted a goal in his third
Mahoney said the decision was ultimately based
on performance.
Outstanding young defender Jake Lever
defender, who puts his body on the line, and can match against the West Coast Eagles at Domain
NAB AFL Draft: TBC play on talls and smalls. Stadium in round five, before playing his fourth “There is no doubt that this has been a difficult
and final game for Fremantle against Essendon decision for the club to make, but the list
NOTE: Joel Smith has been elevated to the senior list, after being Hailing from Romsey, north of Melbourne, he
was claimed via a trade with Adelaide, and a category B rookie in 2017. Corey Maynard has been elevated to a
category A rookie, after being a category B rookie in 2017.
played with Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup,
and was drafted at pick No.14 in the 2014 NAB
in round seven at Subiaco.
On May 17, this year, Balic was granted indefinite
management group felt that Jack’s consistency
of performance while at Melbourne hasn’t been
at the level expected of a player with his
Fremantle midfielder Harley Balic landed
AFL Draft. leave from Fremantle due to personal reasons.
experience,” he said.
In 2015, the year he made his AFL debut, Lever Now, the 20-year-old, 187cm tall has been added
“We know that Jack is a well-liked character but
DEPARTURES gained a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. to Melbourne’s squad, where he will strengthen
at Melbourne for selection No.66. RETIRED: Colin Garland, Heritier Lumumba
Regarded as one of the best intercept marks and
spoilers in the game, he was named in this year’s
the club’s midfield/forward department.
Mahoney said national recruiting manager
we’ve based this decision on performance and
what is best for both parties.”
The club also traded long-serving
The No.1 draft pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft,
All-Australian squad of 40. He was also a member Jason Taylor and the recruiting team had
NAB AFL Trade Period: Jack Watts (Port Adelaide) Watts was recruited from East Sandringham/
of Adelaide’s 2017 AFL Grand Final loss tracked Balic closely.
Brighton Grammar/Sandringham Dragons.
DELISTED: Liam Hulett, Ben Kennedy, Jake to Richmond.
Demon Jack Watts to the Power. Spencer, Jack Trengove, Mitch White (rookie)
He looms as an integral part of the club’s future
and a decade long player for Melbourne.
“He can add some depth to our mid/forward half
and has the ability to kick goals. One thing we’ve
noted in our time of watching Harley over the
His 2016 season was his best at Melbourne, when
he booted 18 goals and finished fifth in the club’s
best and fairest award.
years, he rarely plays a bad game, so he’s been
quite consistent,” he said.
19
JAKE LE VER | HEARTBEAT 2017 |
MB: Jake, welcome to the club. It’s fantastic JL: During the year, it all started to happen when some good games and then some games that I was
to have you at Melbourne. Firstly, how have you’re out of contract and you haven’t signed yet. pretty disappointed in. I don’t think there has ever
the past two months been – you’ve played The media in Adelaide blew it up a bit and it made been a player who has played 22 perfect games in a
in an AFL Grand Final, joined a new club and it hard, because everyone who is an Adelaide fan or year, so you always strive for perfection, but I don’t
got engaged. Fair to say it’s been a anyone you talk to in Adelaide was always asking you think anyone has ever got it. For me, it’s about being
whirlwind ride? ‘what are you doing?’ You actually don’t know what consistent and helping out your teammates. It’s going
you’re doing, so you give them the answer you don’t to be different coming to play with new teammates,
JL: The past six weeks have definitely been a
know and they almost laugh at you and think you’re but I’m super excited. I’ve watched the backline very
whirlwind. It’s been a challenging first couple of
stupid because they think you do know the answer closely at the Dees last season – Oscar McDonald,
weeks, especially for myself and my partner Jess.
and you’re just not telling them. But it’s actually ‘I Sam Frost, who I thought was fantastic in both the
It’s a different experience to what I’ve been used to
don’t know’. When I did know, I told the club. All of the games Melbourne played Adelaide, so I thought he
because I’ve never changed clubs. After the Grand
media stuff, a little bit of it was blown up with how was great. And then there is Michael Hibberd and
Final, I told Adelaide that I wanted to go home and
it all eventuated. After the Grand Final, it probably Neville Jetta – these guys I’m super excited to be
be traded. There was a lot of media speculation and
made it worse that we lost the Grand Final, because it playing alongside them and see what we can do. I
hype around it and problems with it all – so it was
was so disappointing. It made it hard and the hardest don’t think there is an individual that just claims all of
hard for the first couple of weeks. But once I got on
thing was telling my teammates about the decision his success just by themselves. You’ve always got to
the plane and went on a holiday – it helped me a hell
that I made, because you do build friendships more have good players around you and play good footy.
of a lot. It’s quite different in Europe, because when
than anything, with the teammates you play with. You have to have an even contribution. You need
you’re here in the morning, it’s pitch black at night
That was probably the hardest thing, but the good consistency in the individual, but you need the
in Melbourne. And then once you go to sleep, that’s
thing was that most of them understood the decision players around you to play well.
when all of the action happens. So, you wake up and
and were happy that I was happy and making the
your phone has 1000 messages or notifications with MB: Do you have many Melbourne
right decision, which was really good. The thing with
social media. It was a good thing the first couple of connections?
‘Tex’ (Taylor Walker) got blown up a little bit. He’s a
weeks, especially when everything was happening.
passionate person – and he’s a passionate person JL: I went through the AIS [Academy] and draft with
I think I was the first trade to happen and now I’m
about the Adelaide footy club. He was disappointed. Billy Stretch, Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw.
at the Dees, I’m bloody super excited. Looking back
And speaking to a few people, you almost take a little I met Alex Neal-Bullen through Billy, so I know him
on what happened and how it went down, it was
bit out of people being disappointed because they a little bit as well. So, I know those guys that I got
really disappointing with how everything went
almost want you to still be there. I think the Tex thing drafted with. Definitely, Billy was one of my good
down, because I didn’t think it needed to get to that.
got blown out of proportion a little bit – he’s just a mates through the AIS. He’s a great fella. It’s quite
But now I’m at the Dees, I’m just looking forward to
passionate person and I’ve got no problem with funny because we used to train at the same oval,
moving on and playing good footy next year.
Tex at all. when Billy came back to Adelaide for off-season
I got engaged to my now fiancé Jess on the plane, so
training. I’d always see him running laps and I’d
that was pretty exciting for myself, Jess and all of our MB: How do you reflect on Grand Final day,
always run on the other side, because he’s a lot
family and friends. It’s exciting times ahead. now that you’re not at Adelaide, and you’ve
quicker and fitter than me. I used to run on the other
moved to Melbourne?
MB: Coming back home to Victoria was side of the oval to him, so I wouldn’t get embarrassed
the reason for your move, but why did you JL: Straight after, you’re so disappointed, you don’t too much. It helps getting to know the boys, when
choose Melbourne? know what to feel. Probably the build-up was the you already know a few of them. Going into the
best thing in football I’ve ever done. The Grand Final football club, I already know what to expect, but as
JL: It was more of a family decision at the start. You
parade was really exciting and the whole build-up an 18-year-old you don’t know what to expect. More
have to make your mind up – do you want to be away
to it was just fantastic. With Adelaide being a very than anything, I’m a little bit nervous, because you’ve
from your family for the next four of five years and I
football oriented town – the whole town was behind got to make new mates, but I’m just super excited to
wanted to come home. That was a really important
you and then coming into Melbourne was fantastic meet all of the boys and get to know them. That’s
factor. Then the second stage was choosing a club,
to experience that. The Grand Final didn’t go the way the most important thing – getting to know your
and from watching Melbourne, it was a pleasure to
most of us wanted it to, and it was disappointing, teammates and build relationships with them. In the
watch. I love that the group is so young and it is in
but the experience overall was fantastic. As a player end, if you have the trust of your teammates on game
my age bracket, and I’m super excited about what
and as an individual, you get more fire in the belly day, and off the field, you’re going to play well. And
the Melbourne Football Club can do. Watching
to get what Richmond got on the last Saturday you’re going to play even better on game day. I’m just
them last year was really exciting and I think that’s
in September. Watching them get up and get the super excited to get to know the boys and it’s does
what appealed to me – the exciting brand of
medals was something I’ll probably remember help that I do know a few of them already.
footy they play.
forever. The disappointment of it – you just wish it
MB: What are your aims for 2018?
MB: Melbourne has kept a close eye on you was you [up there receiving a premiership medallion].
ever since you were a junior and was close to It didn’t eventuate, but there is extra fire in the belly JL: I’ll definitely play a similar role to what I have in my
drafting you initially. How aware were you and I’m just super excited to come over to Melbourne. career – that third tall, intercept player. I think they’ve
of Melbourne’s interest throughout your There was disappointment for the Dees missing become really important in the AFL these days. It’s
football journey? the finals too, so that’s going to put more fire in the also important for those players to have an impact.
players’ belly and hopefully we’ll strive towards You can put someone in that position, but they might
JL: Myself and Jason Taylor actually spent a little bit
success. That’s why every footballer plays footy – to not have an impact. The thing that I strive for is my
of time together throughout our draft year because
have the ultimate success that Richmond had this ability to help out all of my teammates – whether
he was pretty keen on taking me. When you’re an
year and hopefully the Dees will have next year. that’s coming third in or covering for them.
18-year-old, you think the recruiters are the greatest
I think that’s definitely one thing I’m excited to
people on earth and they’re almost like the kings of MB: Your 2017 season was outstanding for a
bring to Melbourne.
the world and you’re trying to impress them. But after 21-year-old with 56 games to his name, you
you get drafted, you understand that they’re just made the All-Australian squad. How did you MB: You went to Europe in your off-season.
normal people and you build relationships with them. rate your year? How important was this break?
I built a relationship with Jason and talked to him like
JL: For my first two seasons, as a young player, I was JL: It’s been a been a big year with everything
a normal person and you gain that with a few of the
quite surprised, especially in my first season, at how that went on, so I was pretty excited to get away. I
recruiters that you speak to on a regular basis when
many games I played and the level I got to play at. I hopped on a plane on the 8th of October and I flew
you’re 18. It was super exciting when Jason came to
was quite surprised. But then I got dropped before the to Amsterdam and then went to Monte Carlo and
me and said they were in interested in me. It was
finals in my first year. Every year I’ve had something then to Italy and then I went and stayed on a farm in
good that I knew Jason and I spent a bit of time with
to put the fire in the belly, and I’ve gone to the off- Italy. I then went to Paris and then Champagne for
him – I got to know what he was about and what the
season and wanted to train hard in the pre-season. a few days and then to Barcelona for the last part
footy club was about through that draft year. It was
Definitely the first season when I got dropped, that of my holiday, which has all been pretty good. It’s
super exciting to get that phone call to know it was
was disappointing, but it made me a better footballer amazing coming to see how old these cities are and
eventually happening, so it was fantastic.
and a better person. The first two seasons, you’re the buildings that are here. It’s an eye-opener, but it’s
MB: How difficult was it leaving the Crows, always wondering if you’re going to be in the team been the best thing I’ve done – to come away and
particularly after playing in a Grand Final or not, so once I got to this year, I knew I settled my I’m ready to go now.
with them? place in the team. I just tried to focus on playing
consistent footy and it happened to be that I playedYou can also read
