In Melbourne Jake Melksham has been crowned champion after scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of the Demons’ game against. Brisbaneguiding his side from a 24-point deficit to a one-point win at the MCG on Friday night.
Melksham grabbed a vital marker with 30 seconds to go to hang on to the Lions, who were overwhelmed after a great performance in the third quarter.
The Lions were held to just one goal in the final, while the Demons piled on the last four to record their 11th win and keep their hopes of a top four spot alive.
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Melksham spoke after the game, saying his aim was to “give back” to what he believed to be the first phase of football.
“I threw three times in the first quarter so it was a good comeback,” Melksham told Seven.
After a first quarter in which the Demons piled up six goals to the Lions’ three, the game continued, with Brisbane taking the lead going into the final quarter.
Enter the captain of the Demons Max Gawnwho collected 29 disposals, 39 disposals and 10 concessions to help lead his side to five of their last seven games against a tired Brisbane outfit.
An emotional Gawn praised the efforts of Melksham, who, apart from his match-winning goal, kicked another and cleared 13 disposals on the night.
“He’s been recruited many times over the last few years,” Gawn said.
“I’m proud of that kid.”
A one-point victory comes later Brodie Grundy who shot to stardom in Melbourne earlier in the week.forcing him to go to the VFL to improve his skills up front.
Gawn, however, remains hopeful that the pair can work for the Dees in the long run.
“I’m still committed to this job,” said Gawn.
“I think we’re going to be real strong, me and Brodie.
“I’m not giving up on that.”
The Demons are now two games into fourth place on the AFL ladder, just one game behind the Lions.
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