Melbourne Demons' Stunning Turnaround Under Rookie Coach Steven King in 2026 AFL Season
The Melbourne Demons have emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 AFL season, with rookie coach Steven King orchestrating a remarkable transformation that has captivated fans and analysts alike. After a dismal 14th-place finish in the previous season, where they managed only seven wins, the club parted ways with premiership coach Simon Goodwin, setting the stage for a dramatic reset.
A New Era Begins with Bold Moves
In the off-season, Steven King was appointed as head coach, and the Demons wasted no time in ushering in a new era. The club made the bold decision to trade away premiership heroes Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, signaling a complete overhaul of their playing roster. Additionally, veteran defender Steven May was informed he was no longer part of the team's future plans and retired just before the season commenced.
Despite being tipped to struggle this year, the Demons have already secured four impressive victories, including notable wins against premiership contenders Brisbane and Gold Coast. What has particularly delighted supporters is the team's offensive prowess, having scored over 100 points in all four of those wins—a feat they achieved only five times in the entire previous season and four times in 2024.
Happier Locker Room Without 'The Consultant'
Channel 7's Caroline Wilson highlighted that the club is in a much happier place following the departure of Christian Petracca, who had developed the locker room nickname 'The Consultant' due to his detached demeanor last season. Wilson explained that while Petracca was professional and trained diligently, he did not fully commit himself as he had in the past, contributing to a negative atmosphere.
'The point I want to make about Melbourne is just going to focus for a minute on Christian Petracca,' Wilson said on The Agenda Setters. 'He wasn't the only problem last year, but he was a bit of a misery guts around the footy club. He didn't want to be there.' She added that the split has benefited both parties, with Petracca now thriving at Gold Coast and the Demons enjoying a renewed sense of unity.
From Defensive Grind to Attacking Juggernaut
The transformation under Steven King extends beyond personnel changes, as the Demons have shifted from a defensive-minded team to an attacking powerhouse. Former coach Simon Goodwin was known for a focus on contest and defence, which many found tiresome and unentertaining. 'Simon Goodwin played boring footy. That's what he did. He focused on contest and defence, and it got tiresome, and it wasn't a fun brand of football to play,' said The Agenda Setters host Kane Cornes.
AFL great Dale Thomas emphasized Melbourne's new attacking style, showcasing highlights from their win over Brisbane. 'Have a look at their ball movement. So, last year, just remember, every time, every week, we spoke about how they'd win inside 50s but couldn't kick a score,' Thomas noted. He pointed out improved connections between the backline and midfield, with players like Bailey Laurie and Brody Mihocek creating goal-scoring opportunities through speed and strategic cues.
Cornes added, 'Haven't seen Melbourne move the footy like that or use it inside forward 50 for years.' This revitalized approach has not only boosted their performance but also reinvigorated fan enthusiasm, marking a significant chapter in the club's history as they continue to defy expectations in the 2026 AFL season.
