OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE FOOTBALL CLUB

SEASON GUIDE 2017

PROUD PRINCIPAL PARTNER OF THE PRE-SEASON EDITION WATCH THE DEES ON A WARM WINTER NIGHT CONTENTS

Matt Burgan shares his thoughts on 4 SEASON PREVIEW the upcoming season

Peter Ryan speaks to young gun as he looks to take his game to another 6 JESSE HOGAN level in 2017

Matt Burgan chats with as he aims to bounce back after an injury 8 ANGUS BRAYSHAW interrupted 2016 season

Keep up-to-date with Melbourne 12 FIXTURES and Casey fixtures

Relive the historic milestone of our women’s team in the lead up to the inaugural match 16 AFLW ROAD TO ROUND ONE of the 2017 NAB AFL Women’s competition

From police officer to midfield star, 18 KAREN PAXMAN Karen Paxman shares her football journey

20 COACH PROFILES Get to know the 2017 coaching staff

Simon Goodwin provides an update on every 22 PLAYER PROFILES player on Melbourne’s senior and rookie lists

PHONE (03) 9652 1111 MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SEASON MAIL PO Box 254, East Melbourne, , 8002 2017 EMAIL [email protected] CHAIRMAN Glen Bartlett WEB www.melbournefc.com.au VICE CHAIRMEN Geoff Freeman & John Trotter FACEBOOK facebook.com/melbournefc DIRECTORS Mohan Jesudason, Jane Martino, Steven Morris, Jeremy Nichols, David Robb, Kate Roffey, David Thurin TWITTER twitter.com/melbournefc DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Dave Larkin & Marty Smith INSTAGRAM instagram.com/melbournefc

EDITORS Matt Burgan, Georgina Lewis, Ryan Earles Heartbeat is published twice a year. No part of this publication CONTRIBUTORS Matt Burgan, Georgina Lewis, Peter Ryan, shall be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval , Angus Brayshaw, Karen Paxman system, or transmitted in any form or by any means PHOTOGRAPHY AFL Photos, Matthew Goodrope, MFC Staff (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise). AST your mind back to September 2013. in terms of matches. The reality is Melbourne sits 14th on Melbourne had come off its fifth worst VFL/ the list for games played, entering 2017. It’s these statistics AFL season, recording just two wins for the that add some intrigue into the year. year. Drastic change was imminent. Soon, Paul Roos, one of the game’s greatest names, The fact that Melbourne fielded the youngest team in 11 was lured back into coaching. games last year only reinforces that it is still a young group, C with plenty of scope for improvement. The man who ended the longest premiership drought in the game – guiding the to the 2005 premiership And if you analyse Melbourne’s 2017 list, it shows how – returned on the proviso that he would coach Melbourne many integral players are still emerging, in terms of for two to three years, before handing it over to a successor. games experience. Here is the breakdown: That turned out to be Simon Goodwin, the great, 0 games (10 players): Lochie Filipovic, , who was anointed in September 2014. Liam Hulett, Dion Johnstone, Declan Keilty, Mitch King, As history showed, Roos coached Melbourne for three , Pat McKenna, , Tim Smith seasons, with Goodwin by his side for the two. 1-25 (9): (19 games), Jay Kennedy-Harris (22), The succession plan, which was hatched, has now Oscar McDonald (17), Alex Neal-Bullen (15), become a reality, with Goodwin set to lead Melbourne (13), (17), (14), in 2017. It will be the 40 year old’s first of at least three (3) and (3) seasons at the club. 26-50 (9): Angus Brayshaw (31), (40), So what can the red and blue faithful expect under (27), Jesse Hogan (41), Ben Kennedy (40), Goodwin in 2017? Well, after Roos did his job beautifully, (30), Jake Spencer (36), (27), settling the club and ensuring improvement was made Aaron vandenBerg (28) each year, there is plenty of excitement around Melbourne. 51-75 (5): (61), (52), Cam Pedersen The fact it was in finals contention with two rounds to go (61), (71), (70) last year showed how far the squad had come during Roos’ 76-100 (4): Tom Bugg (83), (84), tenure. And now that Goodwin has the baton, he has taken (94), (84) his opportunity and run with it, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit for sustained success. 101-150 (5): Colin Garland (141), (146), Tom McDonald (104), (114), (137) He now has a talented list, capable of building something special, and an impressive coaching set-up, with the highly- 151-200 (1): (193) respected Brendan McCartney, his right-hand man. 200+ (2): Nathan Jones (223), (264) Goodwin is under no illusions that success won’t be handed In summary, when you consider the likes of Hunt, Oliver, to the club, but he is bullish about what his squad can Petracca, Brayshaw and Hogan have yet to play 50 games, deliver this year and in the foreseeable future. and Gawn, Kent and Tyson are still to crack the ton, it only “I’m excited – you’ve got to be excited about the amount adds to the possibilities of where the club can go. Add the of talent we’ve got to work with, but also the people injection of Lewis, Hibberd and the return of Melksham to we’ve got involved at the footy club,” he said. assist the likes of Tom McDonald, Bernie Vince and Nathan Jones and it only shows why there is plenty of optimism. “We’ve got an incredible bunch of coaches and support staff who are driving a talented playing group and with In many ways, 2017 is ‘year four’ for Melbourne, after it that, comes a level of excitement moving forward. bottomed out at the end of 2013. “We’re looking forward to seeing how that comes out.” Clubs that have risen to the ultimate glory have rarely achieved it in a linear fashion, but they have got there As is everyone associated with the red and blue – by holding their nerve and sticking to a plan. So, it will and much of the football fraternity, for that matter. be fascinating to see the next stage of Melbourne’s Given Roos oversaw the team from four wins (2014) to development this year. seven (2015) and ten (2016), there is every indication It really is a year of great anticipation for Melbourne – Melbourne can improve again and be right in the mix FRONT PAUL ROOS one that will be worth viewing. BACKto play SIMON finals GOODWIN for the first time since 2006. Stay tuned. It would be a significant achievement, when you consider where Melbourne has been since 2007. Despite having a talent base capable of pushing into September, it is still youthful and relatively inexperienced 4 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 5 T

HE languid demeanour on-field during 2016, when the issue and don’t think I hold that presence Jesse Hogan exhibits when is raised. quite yet.” he enters Melbourne’s “It’s in the back of my mind. I never Everyone however has seen glimpses football department belies thought I had a massive issue with of it and Hogan knows what it’s like his competitive nature. T it [but] there were probably a few to stamp his imprint on a game. But not far beneath the cool occasions where I went a bit over But he suspects it’s a feeling every detachment an intrinsic desire the top,” Hogan said. player gets from time to time. to win exists. He accepted feedback from “There is nothing better than playing The quality drove him to kick 85 teammates who tell him how it good footy,” Hogan said. goals in 41 games for a team that has is and coaches and was mature battled during most of his four years. Even his love for music and fondness enough to accept he needed to learn of a trip down the coast when the It helped him overcome a back how best to express that part of his surf is pounding does not elicit the injury to win the NAB AFL Rising Star temperament. same visceral response as playing award in 2014. “I know when I go to watch live footy the game well. It revealed itself in October when he and you see a big forward and they To that end he is working on being committed to helping the Demons are up and about they certainly carry versatile enough to have the drive their way up the ladder for the a presence, whether they are grumpy occasional burst in the midfield. next three seasons at least. or happy,” Hogan said. Even if he doesn’t move up Having just turned 22, Hogan is now “Being one of the bigger players out the ground during games, the ready to move his heavily scrutinised there…if you are moping about it opportunity to train in the midfield career into its next phase. stands out.” breaks up the occasional monotony “I probably want to go to the next Such a honest self-appraisal is of training that is a fact of life for level and be one of those real healthy given Hogan has had to every professional footballer. consistent key forwards,” endure a fair share of outside advice He loves working on marking, a skill Hogan said. in his time at the Demons. he refined testing himself against his “That is probably my biggest goal.” His set shot kicking for goal is a older brother, Jake, as a teenager. How he does that will be fascinating topic anyone with a twitter handle Only three players have taken more for football watchers over the or a microphone feels compelled to contested marks inside 50 during next decade. comment upon. Hogan’s first two seasons. He’s gained some understanding Hogan has a wry smile though, And he did so as part of an emerging of what lies ahead during the knowing he is doing all he can do to team, one with so much talent on occasional chat with North kick straight more often than not the list that Hogan’s name now Melbourne great . and that despite the hype he is not fades slightly into the background The conversations helped Hogan infallible. alongside Christian Petracca, Angus realise that once the standard is “When I get outside 40 [metres] it Brayshaw, Jack Viney, Christian set, age doesn’t really matter as the becomes a bit of an issue. I haven’t Salem, Jayden Hunt and Sam foundation is there to be built upon. got the biggest leg for a key forward Weideman. “Once you have produced good unfortunately [and] have to do a “100 percent. There is talent all football that is your expectation,” bit of a different thing to get a bit of over the board,” Hogan said. extra distance,” Hogan admits. Hogan said. And there is no doubt Hogan will do “You can’t have a few bad games He is not attempting to refine his his best to help realise that talent and fall back on being young technique as much as steel his mind with Goodwin’s message firmly in his [as a reason].” to the reality of life as a key forward, mind: “Be that competitor that you training himself to look ahead if he It’s why Hogan doesn’t use age or are in life with everything you do and misses an easy set shot and get on bring that out and work on all the the constant focus on him as an with the next moment. excuse for his form slump at the end small things that will get you to of last season, when he kicked just It’s not the only part of his game that that next level to be a really three goals in his final six games he thinks needs to go up a level. good footballer.” for the year. “I want to feel more comfortable,” Nor does he dance around the Hogan said. BY PETER RYAN subject of poor body language, “I look around at the key forwards something he occasionally displayed

SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 7 MB: Firstly, how was your pre-season been after adversity. I don’t think there is anything on this planet an injury-interrupted 2016? harder than what we did over those three days. What we AB: The pre-season was good for me. I set it up by doing went through was unbelievable and we’ll take plenty out of a lot of running with Jonesy (Nathan Jones), who is a it. Hopefully it’s the springboard that will take us through champion – that held me in good stead. I came back in the year – and we’ll never have to do one again. It was a good shape and I’ve put on a lot of muscle. The pre-season unique experience. camps were good – I took a lot out of them. Hopefully I can MB: How often has that camp been drawn I don’t think there is have a good year and not get knocked out two times in a on so far? row, and have a fair crack at it. AB: A lot of the lessons we learned throughout it have MB: Your body shape has changed significantly. absolutely been applied in different bits and pieces. There anything on this planet What have you done? was a bit of mental scarring for a few weeks afterwards AB: The first couple of years, you’re trying to feel your – I’d wake up in the middle of the night in a startled way. I harder than what we did way through and see what your body can and can’t do. thought the instructors were going to get their hands on us You learn little things about yourself and this year I’ve again and make us do something crazy. I know a few of the over that three days. What looked after myself. It’s about maturing and knowing other guys felt the same too. No one will forget it anytime where I’m at. Some of the guys across the competition soon. The instructors use it when their lives are on the line are absolute bulls in the midfield. I’ve got to be competing – but we’re in a less high-risk environment, even though the we went through was against that, so I’ve tried to get bigger and stronger, principles still apply in terms of discipline, teamwork and and that’s happened this pre-season. commitment to the cause. We’ll use it day to day for the unbelievable and we’ll take rest of the season. MB: How much weight have you put on? AB: I’ve put on a couple of kilos of good muscle, but it’s MB: It would’ve been interesting talking about it plenty out of it. been good weight. I’ve run well, but I didn’t want to put too with your brother afterwards. much on because it slows you down. I hope I keep growing. AB: It was. It’s very comparable and not identical, but the ANGUS BRAYSHAW My dad is 188cm and I’ve just ticked 188cm, so hopefully stuff we were doing was very similar. The guys who run the I’ve got a bit more left in me to knock him off. program, they’re mostly army guys, so everything my older brother’s done and is doing – he knows it. It’s unbelievable MB: How are you feeling entering 2017, after – I reckon those camps would take years off your life doing last year was marred by a knee injury and them regularly. I won’t be joining the army any time soon – concussion setbacks? I’ll stick to footy. AB: I’ve taken a lot out of last year. Injuries are absolutely part of the AFL package, so they’re going to happen. But I’m MB: That’s good to hear for Melbourne supporters. much more equipped to deal with setbacks now. After my AB: (Laughing) Don’t worry, I’ll be staying here and first year, I had no setbacks and I was cruising along. playing footy. I’m feeling good now and I’m confident about the year MB: What are your personal aims for 2017? ahead. I don’t want to be knocked out again, but I’ve AB: I’ve got some catching up to do after an ordinary year been well looked after by the club. last year. But the work that I’ve put in over the pre-season MB: You touched on the pre-Christmas camp earlier. will hold me in good stead. If I can stay out on the field this What was it like? year, then I’ll have a good year. AB: I have an interesting perspective on it because my older MB: And finally, what are your expectations of brother, Will, is in the army. He’s finished four years in officer the team? training. He’s just been deployed to Brisbane. He’s 22 and AB: It’s interesting. We all want to succeed. Without in his fifth year. He’s 18 months older than me. I found out looking too far ahead, the development that’s happened what we were doing and I had a chat to him about it. He over the pre-season – you can see the group taking steps in told me about a lot of things he’d done. I’d also heard a few the right direction every day. Hopefully that translates into rumours about the camp and it sounded comparable, so I the season. If we keep heading in the direction we are, then asked him for little hints, tips and tricks. Despite being told success is going to be right around the corner. Hopefully the about it, you can’t prepare for it. You don’t know what it’s team and my individual progress will track together and going to be like until you get out there and do it. My inside we’ll have a good year. The last three years we’ve improved information did absolutely nothing for me. I had to battle each year with wins, so hopefully this will be the year where through it, like everyone else. Mentally what we got out we take off. I’m very excited and I think everyone is – it’s a of it, I think will be unbelievable. We’ve gone through that good time to be a Melbourne player and supporter. together and we can draw on that whenever we’re against SET TO BOUNCE BACK - WITH MATT BURGAN 8 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SAVE THE DATE 2017

PINK LADY BREAKFAST QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY BLOCKBUSTER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 ROUND 12, MONDAY, JUNE 12 Join us as we celebrate our ongoing partnership with Breast Cancer Network over breakfast at the MCG.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY MATCH Don’t miss our annual Queen’s Birthday BREAKFAST 2017 FRESH COACH, blockbuster clash against Collingwood at the MCG. The Big Freeze at the ‘G returns as we support the PINK LADY MATCH Cure for MND Foundation in the pursuit to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. ROUND 7, SUNDAY, 7 MAY FRESH COAT

The Melbourne Football Club is ready for a fresh start PINK LADY MATCH Help us turn the MCG pink at our annual match CELEBRATING MELBOURNE’S DIVERSITY in 2017 with their new head coach. Start your new year to support Breast Cancer Network Australia. ROUND 15, FRIDAY, JUNE 30 with a fresh coat of paint thanks to Haymes. Book your colour consult at haymespaint.com.au today. HEARTLAND OPEN TRAINING NIGHT WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 CELEBRATING MELBOURNE’S Meet your favourite players at our annual open DIVERSITY training session in Melbourne’s traditional Heartland. An inclusive event for Melbourne’s dynamic Venue TBC. and vibrant multicultural community to come together and celebrate the cultural heritage and identity of the city.

BUSINESS OF SPORT LUNCHEON CHAIRMAN’S CLUB FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 ALL MELBOURNE HOME GAMES Be entertained by some of the game’s biggest Enjoy premium food, beverages, entertainment names, over premium food and beverages at Crown and seating. To enquire email Palladium. To enquire email [email protected] [email protected]

or call (03) 9652 1133. or call (03) 9652 1133.

THE MELBOURNE

LUNCHEON 2017

10 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 11 2017 AFL FIXTURE 2017 VFL FIXTURE HOME/ LOCAL HOME/ LOCAL ROUND DATE OPPONENT AWAY VENUE TIME ROUND DATE OPPONENT AWAY VENUE TIME 1 SATURDAY, MARCH 25 ST KILDA AWAY ETIHAD STADIUM 4.35PM 1 MONDAY, APRIL 17 WILLIAMSTOWN AWAY BURBANK OVAL 2.00PM

2 SUNDAY, APRIL 2 CARLTON HOME MCG 3.20PM 2 SATURDAY, APRIL 22 NORTH BALLARAT HOME 7.00PM

3 SATURDAY, APRIL 8 CATS AWAY ETIHAD STADIUM 4.35PM 3 SATURDAY, APRIL 29 GEELONG AWAY SIMONDS STADIUM 2.40PM*

HOGANS RESERVE - 4 SATURDAY, APRIL 15 FREMANTLE HOME MCG 1.45PM 4 SUNDAY, MAY 7 WERRIBEE AWAY 2.00PM HOPPERS CROSSING

5 MONDAY, APRIL 24 RICHMOND AWAY* MCG 7.25PM 5 SUNDAY, MAY 14 NORTHERN BLUES AWAY PRESTON CITY OVAL 2.00PM

6 SUNDAY, APRIL 30 ESSENDON AWAY ETIHAD STADIUM 1.10PM 6 SATURDAY, MAY 20 PORT MELBOURNE HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

7 SUNDAY, MAY 7 HAWTHORN HOME MCG 3.20PM 7 SUNDAY, JUNE 4 COBURG AWAY PIRANHA PARK 2.00PM

8 SATURDAY, MAY 13 ADELAIDE CROWS AWAY 7.10PM 8 SATURDAY, JUNE 10 COLLINGWOOD HOME CASEY FIELDS 2.10PM*

9 SUNDAY, MAY 21 NORTH MELBOURNE HOME MCG 3.20PM 9 SATURDAY, JUNE 17 FOOTSCRAY HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

10 SATURDAY, MAY 27 HOME TIO 4.05PM 10 SATURDAY, JUNE 24 BOX HILL HAWKS AWAY 2.10PM*

11 11 SATURDAY, JULY 1 PORT MELBOURNE AWAY 2.00PM

12 MONDAY, JUNE 12 COLLINGWOOD HOME MCG 3.20PM 12 SATURDAY, JULY 8 RICHMOND AWAY HOLM PARK - BEACONSFIELD 1.00PM

13 SUNDAY, JUNE 18 AWAY ETIHAD STADIUM 3.20PM 13 BYE

14 SATURDAY, JUNE 24 AWAY DOMAIN STADIUM 5.40PM 14 SATURDAY, JULY 22 ESSENDON HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

15 FRIDAY, JUNE 30 SYDNEY SWANS HOME MCG 7.50PM 15 SUNDAY, JULY 30 COBURG HOME CASEY FIELDS 2.00PM

16 SUNDAY, JULY 9 CARLTON AWAY* MCG 3.20PM 16 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 SANDRINGHAM AWAY 2.00PM

17 SATURDAY, JULY 15 ADELAIDE CROWS HOME TIO STADIUM 7.10PM 17 SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 NORTHERN BLUES HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

18 SATURDAY, JULY 22 PORT ADELAIDE HOME MCG 2.10PM 18 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 WILLIAMSTOWN HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

19 SATURDAY, JULY 29 NORTH MELBOURNE AWAY BLUNDSTONE ARENA 1.45PM 19 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 WERRIBEE HOME CASEY FIELDS 7.00PM

20 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 GWS GIANTS AWAY 1.45PM *Channel 7 broadcast game.

21 SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 ST KILDA HOME MCG 1.10PM

22 SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 HOME MCG 1.10PM

23 TBC COLLINGWOOD AWAY MCG TBC

*Replacement home game. Reserved seat entitlements do not apply.

12 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 13 THE FIRST CLUB IN THE LEAGUE THE FIRST CLUB TO BELIEVE iSelect is proud to support the club that led the way for women’s football. As Melbourne continues its breakthrough efforts to grow the game, we’ll be with the team as it breaks new ground for women everywhere. #BREAKTHROUGH

Join the newest part of our team: NGA - GIRLS’ OPEN DAYS Melbourne Football Club’s TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Next Generation Academy 9:30am to 12pm - Shepley Oval, Pultney St, Dandenong The aim of Melbourne Football Club’s THURSDAY, APRIL 6 Next Generation Academy is to encourage, 9:30am to 12pm - Casey develop and enhance participation outcomes Fields Cranbourne Rd, for talented players, with an additional focus Cranbourne East of creating more opportunities for Multicultural and Indigenous participants. A BREAKTHROUGH PARTNERSHIP As part of our Next Generation Academy, we are holding two Come & Try days for 11-15 year old girls from our allocated zones (Casey/Dandenong/ Mornington Peninsula). 13 19 20

14 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 2017 NAB AFL WOMEN’S COMPETITION

ROUND 1 ROADTHE ROAD TO ROUND ONE OF THE 2017 NAB AFL WOMEN’S COMPETITION TO WAS PAVED WITH A NUMBER OF HISTORICROUND MILESTONES FOR THE 27 PLAYERS PROUDLYJUMPER REPRESENTING PRESENTATION THE RED AND BLUE THIS1 SEASON LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT FIRST PRE-SEASON CAMP INDUCTION & TRAINING SESSION RING PRESENTATION

On Sunday, February 5 Melbourne took to the field for the first time when it met the Brisbane Lions in round one of the NAB AFL Women’s Competition at Casey Fields. In wet and wild conditions, including a pause in play caused by History was made at the MCG when lightning late in the second quarter, Melbourne held its first AFL Women’s Melbourne fought bravely in front of a Jumper Presentation. Players were home crowd of 6,500 before Brisbane presented with their jumpers by seven- eventually took control of the game time world surfing champion Layne to win 4.1 (25) to Melbourne’s 1.4 (10). All 27 players on Melbourne’s list Beachley and men’s co-captain Nathan Jasmine Grierson created history when received a ring in recognition of their Jones. Beachley said she was excited she kicked Melbourne’s first-ever goal recruitment to the club at a special At the end of November, Melbourne’s In January, Melbourne unveiled its to finally see the NAB AFL Women’s in the second quarter. in-house induction at the MCG. Marquee inaugural AFL Women’s team trained leadership group for the inaugural NAB Competition become a reality. player said the rings would together for the first time at Gosch’s AFL Women’s season, with Daisy Pearce “These girls are trailblazers and pioneers be “a reminder [to players] that they’ve Paddock. Women’s Football Operations appointed captain and and they’re changing the face of sport,” been a part of something really big and Manager , one of the greats and Elise O’Dea named vice-captains. she said. Before the Christmas break, Melbourne special.” Melbourne plans to make it a of women’s football, said she was held a pre-season camp at Barwon tradition that every time a new women’s impressed by the team’s first hit-out. Heads, combining training with a range MARQUEE PLAYER SPONSORS player is drafted or recruited to the club “There was a lot of nervous energy, but of team bonding and group activities. they will gain a ring. 10 to 15 minutes into the training session Daisy Pearce: Anthony Micallef and NSW Demons | Melissa Hickey: Arts Series Hotel Group and JFE Global they were playing footy and it was really good to see,” she said.

16 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 17 Y FOOTBALL journey is up leaving Lalor a couple of years Now I’m working at perhaps a little different later and then played for Heidelberg, Melbourne – it’s incredible to the other girls I play with before it unfortunately folded. M at Melbourne. From there, I played a couple of to think how it’s all I didn’t have a dream to play at the seasons at St Albans and then highest level – I never really pictured moved to Darebin. happened and it’s far that women’s footy would go in In 2013, I was selected at No.6 in that direction. I always played footy the first official AFL Women’s different from my previous with my friends, but it was more of a by the Bulldogs. I played every social thing for me. exhibition game for the Bulldogs, career in the police force. I’ve always been competitive in sport except the last one in 2016. Having the AFLW come in – I played netball until I was 15 years It was an enjoyable time at the old – but I always loved to have a Bulldogs, but becoming a priority at this stage of my life has kick of the footy. I could always kick pick and then playing for Melbourne the footy – I don’t remember being has smashed all expectations. been a great shift. I love it. taught – but I could always do it. Knowing Melbourne has been one of I became friends with my PE teacher the frontrunners in women’s footy KAREN PAXMAN at high school and she played for a makes it special. women’s team at Lalor Bloods. She Pre-season was the hardest I’ve ever nagged me for a couple of months done, but it’s also been the quickest to come to training. I was initially bonding I’ve ever done – and it’s intimidated, because I was 15, but I been fantastic. eventually made the transition. The first game against the Brisbane I was playing netball at the time, but Lions – I tried to treat it like any I also got encouragement from my other, but you knew there was a lot mum and dad to try anything – they more buzz. It was mind blowing, would drive me to training. When even though we lost. I told them about the footy, they But the following week, winning were all for it. Once I started playing, our first AFLW match against I loved it. Collingwood was an amazing It was another world. The girls experience. Apart from my first KAREN were friendly and it was a fun Grand Final win, it was the best environment to be in. I played a win I’ve ever been involved in. couple of games in my first season Now I’m working at Melbourne – and then the next year I dropped it’s incredible to think how it’s all netball – footy was No.1 from happened and it’s far different from that point. my previous career in the police I played in a premiership with Lalor force. Having the AFLW come in at in 2005, which I still think is the best this stage of my life has been a PAXMAN game I’ve ever been part of. That great shift. I love it. MY FOOTBALL JOURNEY first flag was memorable. I ended

SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 19 SPONSOR: McKern Steel OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR The former key defender joined Melbourne after retiring at the end of the 2016 season, playing 215 AFL matches from 2004-16. Chaplin represented Port Adelaide in 140 games from 2004-12 and made 75 2017 appearances for Richmond from 2013-16.

CRAIG JENNINGS GAME ANALYST AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR Jennings was appointed game analyst and education coordinator in September 2015. A former North COACH PROFILESby Matt Burgan Melbourne under 19s player, Jennings spent 10 years at Essendon, having worked closely with Simon Goodwin COACH PROFILES and Brendan McCartney at Essendon. In 2015, he spent the season as opposition analyst under at the Western Bulldogs.

SPONSOR: Howard McDonald SIMON GOODWIN SENIOR COACH MANAGER OF DEVELOPMENT Enters first year as senior coach after being appointed Paul Roos’ successor in September 2014. Goodwin will Egan was appointed head of development in September 2016, after earning a reputation as a highly-respected coach the club until at least the end of the 2019 season. A superstar with Adelaide, Goodwin played 275 matches coaching member with the Bombers. The former Essendon interim senior coach – he guided the Dons in the from 1997-2010 and was a dual premiership player in 1997-98 and captain from 2008-10. From 2011-14, Goodwin last three rounds of the 2015 season – Egan was an outstanding key defender in a brief career, cut short by a was an assistant coach with Essendon, coaching one game in round 23, 2013. A defender-turned-midfielder, debilitating foot injury. Egan played 59 matches for the Cats from 2005-07 and was named All-Australian in 2007. Goodwin became one of the AFL’s best players of the modern era. A five-time All-Australian in 2000-01, 2005-06 Egan was a development coach with Geelong from 2009-11. He was then an assistant coach with the Bombers and 2009, Goodwin won the Medal – Adelaide’s award – in 2000 and 2005-06. from 2012-15 and head of development and VFL coach in 2016.

C SPONSOR: Chris Sleigh BRENDAN M CARTNEY PLAYER/COACH PERFORMANCE MANAGER Regarded as one of the game’s best development coaches, McCartney joined Melbourne, after coaching the MAX DEVELOPMENT COACH Western Bulldogs from 2012-14. He coached Ocean Grove to four successive premierships from 1994-97, before ROOKE becoming an assistant/development coach with Richmond from 1998-99. From 2000-10, McCartney was an Two-time Geelong premiership player was appointed in November 2016. Rooke, who was also a assistant coach during Mark Thompson’s coaching tenure at Geelong, which included the 2007 and 2009 flags. development coach with the Gold Coast Suns in 2016, played 135 matches for Geelong, including its 2007 and In 2010, McCartney was named AFLCA’s assistant coach of the year and he joined Essendon’s coaching panel for 2009 premierships, from 2002-10. At the end of the 2011 season, Rooke was appointed to Geelong’s coaching 2011. McCartney’s time at the Bulldogs was acknowledged by many after they won the 2016 premiership. panel and spent 2012-15 in a development role with the Cats.

SPONSOR: Anthony Micallef DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR JUSTIN HEAD COACH AND DEVELOPMENT COACH Now in his sixth season with Melbourne, Rawlings was previously interim senior coach at Richmond, coaching the PLAPP final 11 games of the 2009 season. During his time at Punt Rd, he was senior coach of the Coburg Tigers. Rawlings Plapp played 44 AFL matches from 1998-2002, including 18 for Richmond from 1998-99 and 26 with St Kilda then spent two seasons with the Brisbane Lions before joining Melbourne. In 2016, he was accepted into the from 2000-02. In 2008, Plapp became captain-coach of the Burnie Dockers. He was assistant coach with Box Hill second intake of the AFL coaching accreditation course, level four program. Rawlings played 148 AFL matches, Hawks in 2010 and Williamstown in 2011, before coaching the from 2012-14. Plapp became including 116 for Hawthorn from 1996-2003, 29 for the Western Bulldogs from 2004-05 and three for North senior coach of Casey Scorpions in 2015 and guided the club to the finals. In 2016, Plapp coached Casey to the Melbourne in 2006. minor premiership, before it lost the Grand Final to Footscray.

SPONSOR: Peter Lawrence MICHAEL STINEAR WOMEN’S SENIOR COACH AND DEVELOPMENT COACH STOPPAGES/CONTEST COACH Stinear was appointed in September 2016. A small defender/midfielder in his playing days, Stinear was vice- Now in his fourth season with Melbourne, Mathews was a member of the Sydney Swans’ 2005 premiership captain of the 2002 under-18 Vic Metro team and then on Carlton’s in 2003. In 2004, he won the Grogan under Paul Roos. After 198 matches and 45 goals for the Swans from 1997-2008, Mathews became a Medal with Mt Gravatt – the equivalent in the AFLQ. He spent 2011-16 as an administrator/coach development coach with Gold Coast Suns in 2012, before he joined Melbourne. with , and coached them to back-to-back flags in 2014-15 and to the preliminary final in 2016.

20 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 21 2017

PLAYER PROFILESSimon Goodwin provides an update on every player on Melbourne’s senior and rookie lists 2 7 1 PLAYER STATS DOB: 12/02/1995 NATHAN JONES JACK VINEY JESSE HOGAN Height: 195cm Hoges has really changed his body shape. He looks Weight: 100kg Senior coach Simon Goodwin says: Nathan continues to Goodwin says: He had an interrupted start to his pre-season Goodwin says: strong and powerful, and has worked really hard on some of his day- AFL debut: 2015 improve – we’ve seen him improve many aspects over the pre- with a hip operation. Jack got back into full training just before AFL games: 41 season, including areas within our game style and his individual Christmas and hasn’t missed a beat since. He plays the game to-day habits. He’s really improved in a number of areas. AFL goals: 85 game. We see him being quite versatile in the positions that he exactly the way we want it played and continues to improve as Jesse is a pretty special player and we’re looking forward to seeing Recruited: Marist (WA), can play, which is a great thing for the footy team. a leader and has great standing in the playing group. him play this year. Claremont (WA) Drafted: 2012 GWS Giants Trade Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Incentive Rule Selection, 17-year- PLAYER STATS SPONSORS PLAYER STATS SPONSORS Jan Pallpratt & Patricia Bernie & Lorraine Sue Leng Culbert old access (No.2) DOB: 13/04/1994 Wing Jan Holtschke DOB: 20/01/1988 Gold Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Honours: NAB AFL Rising Height: 178cm Height: 180cm Cold Rock Caroline Springs John, Janella, Lucy & Katrina Star 2015, Melbourne leading Weight: 86kg Hodgson Weight: 87kg Silver Player Sponsor goalkicker 2015, 2016 AFL debut: 2013 AFL debut: 2006 Barbara Box & Leanne Diez Silver Player Sponsor AFL games: 70 AFL games: 223 Bronze Player Sponsor Roland Communications Pty Ltd AFL goals: 19 AFL goals: 105 Toby Dundas Bronze Player Sponsor Ashburton (VIC), Carey Recruited: Mt Eliza (VIC), Recruited: Chisholm & Gamon (VIC) Grammar (VIC), Oakleigh Chargers (VIC), Drafted: 2005 NAB 3 AFL Draft (No.12) Casey Scorpions (VIC) PLAYER STATS Drafted: 2012 NAB AFL Draft Honours: Co-captain 2014, 2017, DOB: 15/07/1995 (No.26 – father/son) Captain 2015-16, Best & fairest 2012, CHRISTIAN SALEM Height: 183cm Honours: Co-captain 2017, Best & 2013, 2014, Second Best & Fairest Weight: 83kg Fairest 2016, Second Best & Fairest Goodwin says: He missed a lot of footy last year and only played 2007, 2016, NAB AFL Rising Star AFL debut: 2014 2015, NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee eight AFL games. He oozes class, with everything he does on the field. Nominee 2006, 2007 AFL games: 30 2013 We’ll continue to work with Christian and his ability to play through the midfield and down back. He’s really stepped up his work rate, his AFL goals: 8 ability to cover the ground and his training habits. We’re looking to Recruited: Hampton Rovers (VIC), seeing Christian play a lot of footy this year. Sandringham Dragons (VIC) Drafted: 2013 NAB AFL Draft (No.9) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Club Assist The Burgess Family - Dr Simon Permezel Horizon Supply Pty Ltd

22 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 23 4 PLAYER STATS 9 PLAYER STATS DOB: 26/03/1991 DOB: 02/09/1991 JACK WATTS Height: 196cm JACK TRENGOVE Height: 185cm 93kg 88kg Goodwin says: After a breakout year, we’re continuing to work with Weight: Goodwin says: It was a tough year for Jack last year, as he didn’t Weight: Jack on his game, including the habits that helped him become a AFL debut: 2009 have much of a pre-season, but he still managed to return to AFL AFL debut: 2010 really good player in 2016. The challenge for Jack is the consistency in AFL games: 137 footy, after almost two years out of the game with a foot injury. He’s AFL games: 84 his game and being able to continue to do the things required for the AFL goals: 121 had a full pre-season, and continues to work on areas of his game AFL goals: 39 team all of the time. I’ve got confidence in Jack’s ability to be able to Recruited: East Sandringham and his body to get himself to positions to play AFL footy on a regular Recruited: Kybybolite (SA), do that. We’ll continue to work with him, as he’s an important player (VIC), Brighton Grammar (VIC), basis. This year is exciting for Jack because he’s had the full summer. Sturt (SA) for the team. Sandringham Dragons (VIC) We’re looking forward to seeing what the real Jack Trengove can do. Drafted: 2009 NAB Drafted: 2008 NAB AFL AFL Draft (No.2) Draft (No.1) Honours: Co-Captain 2012, 2013, Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor International Rules Series 2011, Ian McKenzie Nick Brockbank Croydon Sports Injury Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Clinic Williams Family Trident Business Group Blair and Rosemary Fry 2010

5 10 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 04/01/1996 DOB: 09/01/1996 CHRISTIAN PETRACCA Height: 186cm ANGUS BRAYSHAW Height: 187cm 94kg 90kg Goodwin says: Christian really improved at the backend of the Weight: Goodwin says: Gus has made some significant changes since the Weight: summer. He’s worked really hard on his fundamentals, around the AFL debut: yet to debut middle of last year. He’s developed some really good working habits AFL debut: 2015 game style and what we want him to do – both defensively and AFL games: 17 around his training and day-to-day preparation. That’s starting to AFL games: 31 offensively. His improvement defensively has shone through and AFL goals: 12 come through in his training. We’re looking forward to a highly- AFL goals: 12 that’s ultimately going to help his offense. He’s got some genuine Recruited: Beverley Hills (VIC), talented player having a pretty successful year. He’s done a lot of Recruited: Hampton Rovers talent and he’s a special player, so he’s an exciting prospect. (VIC) things right over the summer. (VIC), Sandringham Dragons Drafted: 2014 NAB (VIC) AFL Draft (No. 2) Drafted: 2014 NAB Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Honours: NAB AFL Rising Star AFL Draft (No.3) Trucks Nuts Emily & Pam Haddrell Doug Derham Sleigh Family Barry Fisher Di Conza Family nominee 2016 Honours: NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee 2015 (fifth overall)

6 11 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 24/04/1986 DOB: 30/12/1991 JORDAN LEWIS Height: 186cm MAX GAWN Height: 208cm Weight: 85kg 111kg Goodwin says: Jordan has been able to get through a lot of training. Goodwin says: I can see a real determination with Max, after he had Weight: AFL debut: 2005 He’s brought leadership to the group and some great direction. a real breakout season last year. He’s developing as a leader and he AFL debut: 2011 AFL games: 264 Jordan’s also a good link between the coaching staff and players. feels comfortable where he sits in the group. The amount of training AFL games: 61 AFL goals: 145 He seems really driven to be part of something successful at the he’s done for a big guy and the work he’s done this pre-season has AFL goals: 34 Recruited: Warrnambool (Vic)/ Melbourne Football Club. been significant. He still has the determination to improve and I think Recruited: Ormond (VIC), Geelong U18/Hawthorn we’ve got a pretty special big man in our hands. Sandringham Dragons (VIC) Drafted: 2004 NAB AFL Draft 1st round Drafted: 2009 NAB Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor selection (Hawthorn) No. 7 overall, 2016 AFL Draft (No.34) The Barlow Family Josh Hoppe & Daniel Total Surverying NAB AFL Draft traded by Hawthorn for Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Honours: 3rd Best & Fairest 2016, Moon No. 47, No. 53. Necole & Tony Gawne Jack, Marcus & Andrew Merlin, Sugar & Jacqui All-Australian 2016 Honours: Hawthorn Best & Fairest Chrapot Parry @I Support 2014, 2nd Hawthorn Best & Fairest 2016; Demons Business All-Australian 2014, NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2005, Hawthorn premiership sides 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015.

24 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 25 12 PLAYER STATS 15 PLAYER STATS DOB: 08/06/1993 DOB: 08/09/1996 DOM TYSON Height: 186cm BILLY STRETCH Height: 180cm 86kg 80kg Goodwin says: Dom had a fantastic pre-Christmas, before his camp Weight: Goodwin says: His improvement in the contested ball side of his Weight: mishap with his knee in late December. Still, he came back from that AFL debut: 2012 game, and his craft is incredible. I can’t speak highly enough of his AFL debut: 2015 and is set to have a really big season. He has really worked hard on his MFC debut: 2014 work habits from a day-to-day perspective. He’s a leader in his own AFL games: 27 fitness and fundamentals and his stoppage craft. AFL games: 71 way and he continues to drive the group with the work habits he has. AFL goals: 5 AFL goals: 37 Recruited: Henly Sharks (SA), Recruited: Camberwell (VIC), Glenelg (SA) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Trinity Grammar (VIC), Oakleigh Drafted: 2014 NAB AFL Draft Old T Dees Bill Harries Celtic Connection GlezerLanteri Family William Lyall Scott and Steven Jacobs Chargers (Vic), GWS Giants (No.42 – father/son) Lawyers & Genius Tech Drafted: 2011 NAB AFL Draft Group (No.3), 2013 NAB AFL Draft traded by GWS Giants Honours: Second Best & Fairest 2014, NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2012

13 16 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 22/07/1997 DOB: 24/02/1994 CLAYTON OLIVER Height: 187cm DEAN KENT Height: 179cm 87kg 85kg Goodwin says: He’s completely changed his body shape. He looks Weight: Goodwin says: Dean had some back niggles throughout the Weight: like a really exciting, powerful midfielder. Clayton’s developing some AFL debut: 2016 summer, which hasn’t been ideal, because we know how important AFL debut: 2013 really good habits from his day-to-day preparation, and the way he AFL games: 13 he is to our forward half. We’re confident that he’ll get enough work AFL games: 52 goes about his training, which is a significant shift. AFL goals: 6 into him to be a contributor for us in the season ahead. AFL goals: 49 Recruited: Mooroopna (Vic), Recruited: Federals (WA), Pioneers (VIC), (WA) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor (VIC) Drafted: 2012 NAB AFL DEES NATION The Barlow Family Justin Bourke, Jack SUPER 16 Jeremy Ashley & Western Demons Drafted: 2015 NAB Draft (No.48) Tracey & Anthony Andrew Fisher Rodbard-Bean AFL Draft (No.4) Honours: 2015, NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2016

14 PLAYER STATS 17 PLAYER STATS DOB: 03/01/1990 DOB: 28/08/1993 MICHAEL HIBBERD Height: 186cm SAM FROST Height: 194cm 90kg 94kg Goodwin says: We got him to the footy club for a reason – he’s a Weight: Goodwin says: Sam made the shift down back last year and Weight: competitor. He loves to really jump at the footy in our defensive half AFL debut: 2011 continues to work on his craft and fundamentals in that area of the AFL debut: 2012 and provides good run-and-carry off our half-back line. He’s had a AFL games: 84 ground. He’s developing those areas of his game to be the player that MFC debut: 2015 really good summer and has fitted in extremely well. He brings a bit AFL goals: 11 can play on talls and smalls. Sam’s heading in the right direction. AFL games: 40 of character to the locker room, so I’m looking forward to seeing him Recruited: Somerville (Vic)/ AFL goals: 7 in the red and blue. Dandenong U18/Frankston (VFL)/ Recruited: Ormond (VIC), Wesley Essendon Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor College (VIC), Sandringham Drafted: 2011 NAB AFL Stephen Bell Di Conza Family Tom Schreurs Dragons (VIC), GWS Giants Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Pre-Season Draft 1st round Drafted: 2012 NAB AFL Geoffrey Hart Dental Emily & Pam Haddrell Steve Bell selection (Essendon) No. 4 overall, Rookie Draft (No.1); 2012 NAB AFL 2016 NAB AFL Draft traded by Draft rookie elevation (No.83), Essendon for No. 31, No. 63 2014 NAB AFL Draft traded by GWS Giants

26 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 27 18 PLAYER STATS 21 PLAYER STATS DOB: 29/08/1991 DOB: 17/03/1987 JAKE MELKSHAM Height: 186cm Height: 193cm 82kg 99kg Goodwin says: After missing last season, Jake’s come in and hasn’t Weight: Goodwin says: Cam’s lost 11kgs and got himself in a position now Weight: missed a beat. He’s been able to handle some really good loads from AFL debut: 2010 where he can really compete and do the workload required to be an AFL debut: 2011 a training perspective. We see him being able to play a variety of AFL games: 114 AFL player. The challenge for Cam will be for him to continue to do MFC debut: 2013 positions – wing, half-back and through the midfield. AFL goals: 57 that over a sustained period of time. AFL games: 61 Recruited: Oak Park (Vic)/PEGS AFL goals: 51 (Vic)/Calder U18/Essendon Recruited: Mooroolbark (VIC), Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Drafted: 2009 NAB AFL Draft 1st Box Hill Hawks (VIC), The Barlow Family Julie O’Halloran & Brettell Developments Judy Gillard, Ian Murton, Ralph & Roberta Laurie Mike Sargent round selection (Essendon) No.10 North Melbourne Jan Lupson Chris & Donna Turner overall, 2015 NAB AFL Draft traded Drafted: 2011 NAB AFL Rookie byEssendon for No. 30 Draft (No.17 – North Melbourne), Honours: NAB AFL Rising Star 2011 NAB AFL Draft rookie nominee 2010 elevation (North Melbourne), 2012 NAB AFL Draft traded by North Melbourne

19 22 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 09/03/1994 DOB: 03/03/1992 MITCH HANNAN Height: 189cm AARON VANDENBERG Height: 188cm 81kg 90kg Goodwin says: Mitch had a shoulder reconstruction when he arrived Weight: Goodwin says: Aaron is just a really powerful player. He has some Weight: and has rehabbed extremely well. He has some pretty special speed AFL games: 0 physical attributes that really helps our forward line. Aaron continues AFL debut: 2015 and athleticism and we’re pretty excited about what Mitch can offer. AFL goals: 0 to work really hard on his fundamentals – his kicking and his disposal AFL games: 28 Recruited: Gisborne Rookies – and we’ve seen some significant improvements with him. He’s AFL goals: 17 (Vic)/St Bernard’s (Vic)/ an incredible on-field communicator and quite demanding on our Recruited: Tathra (NSW), Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Footscray (VFL) playing group, which is exciting. He’s also well-respected among Ainslie (ACT) Bob Jane T-Marts Darien & Rob Thompson Trevena, Croatto, Drafted: 2016 NAB AFL Draft 3rd our playing group. Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Rookie Essendon Southey round selection, (Melbourne) No. Draft (No.2), 2015 NAB AFL Draft 46 overall rookie elevation Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bernie & Lorraine Scott Lipman Holtschke

20 PLAYER STATS 23 PLAYER STATS DOB: 28/04/1988 DOB: 02/10/1985 COLIN GARLAND Height: 191cm BERNIE VINCE Height: 186cm Weight: 89kg Weight: 92kg Goodwin says: Col had a disappointing season last year and came Goodwin says: He’s done a full pre-season and he keeps telling me AFL debut: 2006 AFL debut: 2007 back to pre-season with a fresh start – and has trained to a really that he’s getting better with age. Bernie is doing things in his game MFC debut: 2014 141 high level. He’s an experienced player who clearly understands what AFL games: that we want him to do – and we’re seeing improvement in him, AFL games: 193 we need from him to play in the team. He’s working really hard to be AFL goals: 16 which is exciting for us. There are some things that we want all of our AFL goals: 110 able to do that and get back to playing senior AFL footy. Recruited: North Hobart (TAS), players to continue to strive and improve, and Bernie typifies that. Recruited: CMS Crows (SA), (TAS), Woodville-West Torrens (SA), VFL (TAS) Adelaide Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Drafted: 2006 NAB AFL Draft Drafted: 2005 NAB AFL Draft Toorak Village Dental Worldwide Customs & Ian Dunstan John McCully Ian Sunderland & Ian & David Jackson (No.32 – Adelaide), 2013 NAB AFL (No.46) Clinic Forwarding Agents (Kalgoorlie, WA) Peter Ashton Draft traded by Adelaide Honours: Second Best & Fairest Honours: Adelaide Best & Fairest 2013, NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2009, Melbourne Best & Fairest 2008 2015, Melbourne Third Best & Fairest 2014, International Rules Series 2011, Medal 2012, Adelaide pre-season premiership side 2012

28 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 29 24 PLAYER STATS 27 PLAYER STATS DOB: 21/03/1995 DOB: 17/03/1997 JAY KENNEDY-HARRIS Height: 173cm LIAM HULETT Height: 193cm 75kg 91kg Goodwin says: Jay had a horrid season last year with hamstring Weight: Goodwin says: Liam continues to develop. He’s had a good summer Weight: injuries. We’ve spent some time with Jay over the summer to really AFL debut: 2014 after playing in the Casey finals series last year. We’re looking forward AFL debut: yet to debut build his body to handle the demands of the AFL season. AFL games: 22 to Liam developing the habits that we need from him day in, day out AFL games: 0 He performed really well in the backend of pre-season, which is AFL goals: 11 and train with an intensity that resembles AFL footy. He’s improving AFL goals: 0 exciting for Jay and the footy club. We look forward to watching Recruited: Kew Comets (VIC), every week. Recruited: Bonbeach (VIC), his progress after missing a lot of footy last year. Oakleigh Chargers (VIC) Dandenong Stingrays (VIC) Drafted: 2013 NAB AFL Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Silver Player Sponsor Draft (No.40) Draft (No.46) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Steve Johnson Celtic Connection Gail Lutton & Marg Monk Brian Lovelock

25 28 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 18/09/1992 DOB: 18/03/1996 TOM MCDONALD Height: 194cm OSCAR MCDONALD Height: 196cm 101kg 97kg Goodwin says: He continues to improve his leadership. He’s got a Weight: Goodwin says: Oscar just oozes leadership, with the way he goes Weight: great understanding of what the team requires. At the same time, AFL debut: 2011 about his business on a day-to-day basis, which is really exciting. He AFL debut: 2015 he’s improving the fundamentals for the positions we want him to AFL games: 104 prepares extremely well and he trains to a high level every session. AFL games: 17 play. He’s a big part of developing our younger players going forward. AFL goals: 8 For a player of his age to be able to play that way has been really AFL goals: 0 Recruited: Edenhope-Apsley exciting for the club. Recruited: Edenhope- (VIC), North Ballarat Rebels (VIC) Apsley (VIC), North Ballarat Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Drafted: 2010 NAB AFL Rebels (VIC) Chisholm & Gamon Mark Davis Be Energized Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Draft (No.53) Drafted: 2014 NAB AFL Myotherapy Victorian Fireplaces Warmington Family Roslyn, Morgan, Camille Honours: Third Best & Fairest Draft (No. 53), NAB AFL Rising & Ian Wright 2012, 2015, NAB AFL Rising Star Star nominee 2016 nominee 2012

26 PLAYER STATS 29 PLAYER STATS DOB: 26/06/1997 DOB: 03/04/1995 SAM WEIDEMAN Height: 195cm JAYDEN HUNT Height: 187cm 94kg 85kg Goodwin says: He’s put on five or six kilos. He probably struggled Weight: Goodwin says: Jayden is a really exciting prospect, with his ability Weight: initially to carry that weight around at training, but his last month to AFL debut: yet to debut to run-and-carry. He typifies exactly what we want in our players – AFL debut: 2016 six weeks have been outstanding. He’s training with an intensity that AFL games: 3 in terms of his ability to train to a high level and prepare himself to AFL games: 19 resembles an AFL player. We’re excited for him to keep working with AFL goals: 3 a high standard. He continues to improve every session. AFL goals: 3 Jesse Hogan and the other forwards to develop great chemistry. Recruited: Vermont (VIC), Recruited: East Sandringham Xavier College (VIC), (VIC), Brighton Grammar (VIC), Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Eastern Ranges (VIC) Sandringham Dragons (VIC) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor The Funston Family Demonland Sam Crisci Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Draft Drafted: 2013 NAB AFL Glenn Ashworth Andrew Clough Louise & Robert Christie (No.9) Draft (No.57)

30 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 31 30 PLAYER STATS 34 PLAYER STATS DOB: 09/01/1996 DOB: 01/01/1997 ALEX NEAL-BULLEN Height: 182cm MITCH KING Height: 200cm 82kg 99kg Goodwin says: Alex has had a fantastic pre-season. His last pre- Weight: Goodwin says: Mitch has come back from a knee reconstruction. Weight: season, he probably drifted a bit through the summer and it affected AFL debut: 2015 He has built his body and put on a lot of weight to be able to play in AFL games: 0 his season. But this pre-season he came with real purpose and focus. AFL games: 15 the ruck. The key for Mitch is to keep working on his fundamentals for AFL goals: 0 He’s changed his body shape and is training to a really high level. AFL goals: 8 the position that he plays. His attitude has been outstanding. Recruited: Wodonga (Vic)/ Alex plays the game the way we’d like it to be played, so we see an Recruited: Plympton (SA), Murray U18 exciting year ahead for him. Glenelg (SA) Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Draft 3rd Silver Player Sponsor Drafted: 2014 NAB AFL round selection(Melbourne) Diane Mountney Draft (No. 40) No. 42 overall Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Perkins Family Jan Armstrong & SA DEMONS Matt Ware

32 35 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 05/04/1993 DOB: 03/03/1994 TOMAS BUGG Height: 184cm BEN KENNEDY Height: 175cm 82kg 78kg Goodwin says: Tom’s worked really hard on a couple of specific Weight: Goodwin says: Ben’s got a good understanding now of the things Weight: things within his game that he knew he had to work on from last AFL debut: 2012 that he needs to continually improve. He’s working hard with a AFL debut: 2013 year. He’s come to training every day to do that and he’s surrounded MFC debut: 2016 variety of coaches to be able to do that. Ben probably hit a bit of MFC debut: 2016 himself with some really good mentors within the footy club. It’s AFL games: 83 a flat spot towards the backend of last year, but he’s reset for the AFL games: 40 starting to come through in his training. He’s significantly improved AFL goals: 23 year ahead. He’s now very clear of what it’s going to take to get AFL goals: 28 throughout the summer. Recruited: Gembrook (VIC), back playing senior AFL footy. Recruited: Brighton District (SA), Caulfield Grammar (VIC), Glenelg (SA), Collingwood (VIC), Drafted: 2012 NAB AFL Draft Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor GWS Giants (No.19), 2015 NAB AFL Draft Casey Demons Mark & David Freilich The Tragics Edmond Lobazza Jamie Davis family & Big Footy Demons Supporter Group Drafted: 2011 17-year-old access Elliot Swart family traded by Collingwood selection (GWS Giants), 2015 NAB AFL Draft traded by GWS Giants Honours: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2012

33 PLAYER STATS 36 PLAYER STATS DOB: 09/10/1989 DOB: 03/08/1989 JAKE SPENCER Height: 203cm JEFF GARLETT Height: 180cm 105kg 73kg Goodwin says: Jake has been able to get through a really big chunk Weight: Goodwin says: Jeff’s physical condition has improved out of sight. Weight: of the pre-season, which is great for him. He’s pushed Max Gawn AFL debut: 2009 His running has gone to another level. We want to develop a forward AFL debut: 2009 over the summer, but they have also worked really closely together. AFL games: 36 line that can put a lot of pressure on the opposition and Jeff is an MFC debut: 2015 I’ve seen Jake improve in a whole range of areas, so we now feel as AFL goals: 6 important part of that. He understands his role and responsibility AFL games: 146 though we’ve got two really competitive big men at our disposal, Recruited: Hermit Park (QLD), within that group. He’s on the right path. AFL goals: 252 which is important. We really want Jake to keep pushing for his Redland (QLD) Drafted: 2009 NAB AFL Rookie spot to play AFL footy. Drafted: 2008 NAB Rookie Draft Draft (No.6), 2010 NAB AFL Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor (No.35), 2010 NAB AFL Draft rookie Rookie Draft elevation (No.85), Di Conza Family Total Surveying Sebastian Leopold elevation (No.96) 2014 NAB AFL Draft traded Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor by Carlton Graham & Val Peters Kaye Hargreaves & Julie Lockhart Honours: Carlton leading goalkicker 2013, NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2010

32 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 33 37 PLAYER STATS 40 PLAYER STATS DOB: 01/06/1998 DOB: 12/08/1996 DION JOHNSTONE Height: 179cm PAT MCKENNA Height: 186cm 77kg 85kg Goodwin says: Dion’s competitiveness has really shone through Weight: Goodwin says: Pat came from GWS and has worked really hard at Weight: at training since he arrived at the club last November. He loves the AFL games: 0 developing physically, so he can handle the demands of AFL footy. AFL games: 0 contested side of the game and brings an edge to our forward line. AFL goals: 0 He’s continued to improve his game around what we really value, in AFL goals: 0 Dion’s really settled into the club well. Recruited: North Warrnambool terms of the contested side of the game, so we look forward to that Recruited: Gisborne (Vic)/ (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 unfolding as the year progresses. GWS Giants List Drafted: 2016 NAB AFL Draft 4th Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Draft 2nd Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor round selection (Melbourne) round selection (GWS Giants) Ruth Fleming & Micky Stephen Lewinsky Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor No. 64 overall No. 23 overall; 2016 NAB AFL Ashton Allan Sultanan Rodney Brown Membership Volunteers Draft traded by GWS Giants for Group 3rd round selection (not utilised), 4th round selection (not utilised)

38 41 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 20/02/1991 DOB: 10/04/1996 TIM SMITH Height: 192cm MITCH WHITE Height: 188cm 94kg 88kg Goodwin says: A mature-age player from Casey, Tim is a real Weight: Goodwin says: He’s had an outstanding pre-season. Mitch rolled his Weight: competitor who can play forward and bring that tackling pressure AFL games: 0 ankle on the Sunshine Coast pre-season camp, which set him back a AFL debut: 2015 to our forward half. With that, he can certainly kick a bag of goals as AFL goals: 0 few weeks, but he’s someone who continues to improve and we look AFL games: 3 well, so he’s settled in really well. He’s got a fantastic attitude and is Recruited: Upper Ferntree Gully forward to seeing him develop over the next 12 months. AFL goals: 0 working closely with the other tall forwards to develop a really strong (Vic)/Casey (VFL) Recruited: Seaford (VIC), St. chemistry down there. Drafted: 2017 Rookie Draft Peter’s College (VIC), Dandenong Gold Player Sponsor selection (Melbourne) No. 25 Stingrays (VIC) Nams Industries Drafted: 2015 NAB AFL Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Rookie Draft (No.20) Alan & Patricia White Yvonne Preston John Rothfield

39 PLAYER STATS 42 PLAYER STATS DOB: 12/02/1990 DOB: 24/06/1994 NEVILLE JETTA Height: 180cm JOSH WAGNER Height: 189cm 81kg 85kg Goodwin says: Neville’s just a quality human being with great Weight: Goodwin says: He plays defensively and the way we want the game Weight: work habits. He’s really driven to perform and improve his game, AFL debut: 2009 to be played. For a large chunk of the pre-season, Josh was one of our AFL debut: 2016 both defensively and offensively. Nev understands that he’s in a AFL games: 94 best at training. We see a really bright future for Josh with the way AFL games: 14 really competitive area with a range of players, so he’s just looking AFL goals: 21 he’s progressing. AFL goals: 0 for ways to improve. He’s had a good summer. Recruited: Carey Park (WA), Recruited: Aspley (QLD) Swan Districts (WA) Drafted: 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Drafted: 2008 NAB AFL Draft Draft (No.6) Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Christopher Iacopine Demonland Queensland Demons (No.51), 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Micallef Family Craig Thompson & Darcy Gail & Peter Vermont, Draft (No.50), 2014 NAB AFL Draft Thompson Dylan Roberts rookie elevation

34 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 SEASON GUIDE 2017 | 35 43 PLAYER STATS 47 PLAYER STATS DOB: 05/10/1995 DOB: 29/08/1998 JAMES HARMES Height: 185cm LOCHIE FILIPOVIC Height: 200cm 85kg 92kg Goodwin says: James is likely to spend more time up forward this Weight: Goodwin says: Lochie is very raw, having come to the club after Weight: year, with some time in the midfield. He’s had a really good summer AFL debut: 2015 playing 40 games of footy. We’re really focusing on his fundamentals AFL games: 0 and he continues to get better at understanding the game and AFL games: 27 and his body to be able to play the ruck. He’s put on some kilos, but AFL goals: 0 what’s required within his role. He’s a really likeable member of AFL goals: 15 his willingness to learn has been impressive. Recruited: Ormond (Vic)/ the group. Recruited: Devon Meadows (VIC), Sandringham U18 Dandenong Stingrays (VIC) Drafted: 2017 Rookie Draft Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Drafted: 2014 NAB AFL Rookie selection (Melbourne) No. 8 Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor Lawrie O’Shea Gary Pinchen Draft (No.2), 2015 NAB AFL Draft Secura Funds LTD Theo & Lisa Schreurs NSW Demons rookie elevation Honours: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2016

44 48 PLAYER STATS PLAYER STATS DOB: 25/02/1996 DOB: 07/10/1991 JOEL SMITH Height: 191cm COREY MAYNARD Height: 185cm 87kg 91kg Goodwin says: He’s a really exciting young player off half-back. He Weight: Goodwin says: Having come from a background, Corey Weight: does some pretty exciting things and continues to work on making AFL games: 0 was pretty raw to the game when he came into the group towards AFL games: 0 sure his body can handle the demands of AFL footy. If he can do that, AFL goals: 0 the end of last season, but I think he typifies what our program is AFL goals: 0 expect him to play some AFL footy this year. Recruited: Maribyrnong Park (Vic) about. His improvement throughout the summer and what’s required Recruited: Hampton Rovers (Vic) Drafted: 2016 Rookie Draft – not only for his role, but for how we want the game played – has Drafted: 2017 Rookie Draft three- three-year non-registered been very good. His improvement, particularly his fundamentals, year non-registered selection Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Bronze Player Sponsor selection (Melbourne) No. 41 have also been a great reflection of the people involved in our (Melbourne) Tim & Mary Anne Mark Rochman & Lone Star football department. Holland Andrew Chrapot B RY O Gold Player Sponsor Silver Player Sponsor Y B G David Rose The Corey Connection R

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45 PLAYER STATS DOB: 08/05/1995 DECLAN KEILTY Height: 194cm 93kg Goodwin says: Declan has settled into the club well. He’s come Weight: from Casey, so he’s got a good understanding of the way we play. AFL games: 0 Declan keeps working on the fundamentals to play the positions AFL goals: 0 that we’re looking for him to play. Recruited: Newborough Hawks (Vic)/Casey (VFL) Drafted: 2017 Rookie Draft Bronze Player Sponsor selection (Melbourne) No. 41 Deevas + Demen SIGN UP TO MELBOURNE EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 X CHAIRMAN’S CLUB PASSES TO OUR ROUND 2 CLASH AGAINST CARLTON AT THE MCG

36 | SEASON GUIDE 2017 MY MELBOURNE with TOP 5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MICHAEL MELBOURNE HIBBERD The Rosstown Hotel It’s in Carnegie. The best pub going around! The MCG I love the atmosphere of the MCG. It’s the best stadium in the world. @ The Catch: Fish & Chips Good food and it’s close to home, so it’s convenient. Port Melbourne I lived in Port Melbourne for years and love the place and the beaches. Home What I like about Melbourne in general is the good food everywhere and that there is always something to do and things to see, but I also enjoy just kicking back and relaxing at home in my lounge room.

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