Max Gawn paid tribute to late Melbourne legend and former president Jim Stynes after the Demons' thumping 46-point win over Richmond on Sunday. Gawn drew level with Stynes on 264 games, a milestone he described as deeply personal.
Gawn's emotional tribute to mentor Stynes
Stynes, who played 264 games for Melbourne, won a Brownlow Medal, two All-Australian selections, and was named in the Demons' team of the century before serving as club chairman. He died of cancer at age 45 in 2012. Stynes had been a mentor to Gawn, particularly given both played as ruckmen.
“I’m not a massive milestone guy, but this one in particular (means a lot), just because of the name Jim I think,” Gawn told Channel 7 after the match. “What he means to me, he basically gave me my chance in football. The recruiters got me, (former coach) Dean Bailey gave me my jumper, but Jim pointed me out and told me to be myself.”
“And that’s the person I hope I’m still being today and I’m hoping everyone at home can see that I’m just out here (like a) 10-year-old boy with a big smile on my face loving playing on the MCG, and that’s what Jim told me to do.”
Van Rooyen stars with six goals
Jacob van Rooyen continued his sparkling form with an equal career-high six goals as the Demons extended their perfect MCG record this season to 9-0. Melbourne overcame some early resistance from Richmond to win 16.15 (111) to 9.11 (65) in front of 32,893 fans.
The result consolidates Melbourne's position in the top six, virtually guaranteeing them at least a wildcard round in Steven King's first season as coach.
Van Rooyen followed up a five-goal effort in Melbourne's demolition of Hawthorn last week, becoming the first Demons player to have back-to-back five-goal hauls since Jesse Hogan in 2018. After kicking just two goals in a lean four-week patch, van Rooyen has now booted 14 in his past three appearances. The 23-year-old's tally of 35 goals this season is his best return since debuting in 2023.
Gawn dominates ruck battle
Skipper Gawn put in a masterful shift in the ruck and pushed forward to slot two goals. His opposing captain and ruckman Toby Nankervis also kicked two goals for Richmond, but Gawn easily won the battle around the ground and in the middle.
Superstar Kysaiah Pickett was serviceable without being game-changing but provided arguably the game's highlight—a mark of the year contender after standing on top of Nankervis in the second quarter. Veteran Jake Melksham played an important role up forward with two goals after being a late inclusion for Harrison Petty (hamstring).
Richmond's positives despite heavy loss
Richmond, who slumped to 2-15 and a 10-54 record in the Adem Yze era, had a few reasons to celebrate. Their eighth debutant of the season, Zane Peucker, slotted a goal with his first kick in the AFL and was mobbed by teammates.
Before the match, both teams paid tribute to community footballer Nathan Fitzgerald, who tragically died following an on-field incident earlier in July. Fitzgerald, who played for the Epping Football Netball Club, was a diehard Richmond supporter, and his brother Matt tossed the coin before the match.
